Events in Betws-y-Coed and the surrounding areas…

Race the Train takes place alongside as far as practicable the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. In order to do this all courses use a mixture of public roads, lanes, un-metalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures. The terrain varies all the time and can be very wet & muddy in places, the routes also ascend and descend quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. Often the Train, or for many runners the track, is just over the fence and in many places if you coincide with the train your family friends, if they are on the train, will be able to shout encouragement to you. A lot of the course is across private land only open for the race so pre & post race inspection of the courses is not possible. All courses are marshalled, well signed, and provided with refreshment / water points along the way. There are members of the Red Cross, Qualified Nursing Staff, & Medical cover over the course. Raynet (Amateur Radio) co-ordinates services should any problems arise. In the afternoon for the main race we normally also have an Ambulance on standby. Remember it is your legal duty to assist any runner with serious problems. You will see that all the races are designated as having approximate distances. This is because we have to alter the course slightly almost every year often in the last few days before the race to accommodate local conditions. These variations are often only slight but invalidate any official measurements of the courses. Usually they tend to balance out and the distance remains virtually the same.

Welcome to the awesome Tour de Môn - the cycle sportive which takes you around the beautiful island of Anglesey. The Tour de Môn will take you to the most stunning and iconic locations on the wonderful island of Anglesey. Boasting possibly the most beautiful coastline in the whole of the UK this is an event that brings people back time and time again, both locals and visitors. Over 1000 riders join us each year and the event has become a calendar highlight for cyclists and local people who support the riders as they pass by with warm Welsh encouragement. Experience some of the most picturesque countryside and coastal roads and pit yourself against the clock on the 'Flying Mile' held at RAF Valley giving you the unique opportunity of cycling uninterrupted on the runway. Unparallelled views of Snowdonia from this location make it a real treat. From clubs, to families and charity riders this is a friendly ride with riders of all ages and abilities coming together to take on the challenge.

The Conwy Honey Fair in North Wales dates back more than 700 years to the reign of King Edward 1st, when local beekeepers were first given the right to sell honey within the walls of the North Wales town, every September 13th, from midnight to midnight, without charge. The right to hold the Fair is in the town’s Royal Charter. Honey was very important even then, and in a roll of expenses of Edward 1st at Rhuddlan Castle in 1281 and 1282, the tenth and eleventh years of his reign, and predating the building of Conwy Castle in 1283 to 1289, is an item: repairing a cart of the King’s, conveying a pipe of honey from Aberconwy, 1s 4d.

New for 2020 the Caernarfon half marathon: more details to follow but please see the Run Wales website for updates.

Welcome to the Conwy Marathon Always Aim High Events are proud to present the Conwy Marathon, a full 26.2mile, 20 mile and 10 mile event starting in the Victorian Coastal Town of Llandudno. Starting on the iconic Victorian promenade the routes takes runners around the awe-inspiring Great Orme and past the Conwy Castle World Heritage Site to the nostalgic Colwyn Bay Promenade. Runners then double back along the stunning beach front to finish back in Llandudno. This is super special and scenic Marathon, full of history and gorgeous views which promises 26 miles of fast running along the Conwy coastline and quiet country roads. The race village in Llandudno which will host the start and finish line, attracts over thousands of spectators, creating a fabulous atmosphere as the runners are cheered out and welcomed back at the end of their adventure.

2020 update coming soon.

Welcome to the Bangor 10k & Half Marathon (Half Marathon part of the 3 Castles Medal Series 2020) This race starts and finishes in the city centre and goes out to the coastline, in to the magnificent Penrhyn Castle Estate then back to and along the Garth Pier over the Menai Straits, taking in views of Anglesey, Snowdonia and the surrounding North Wales coastline, then back to the finish in the city centre. Both races start at 9:30am Cost for the 10k: Affiliated £20 Unaffiliated £22 (YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 15 YRS OLD ON RACE DAY) Cost for the half marathon: Affiliated £30 Unaffiliated £32 (YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 17 YRS OLD ON RACE DAY) Includes a Medal and Tshirt (10k and Half Marathon) Fun Run (Is entry on the day) Route from the clock to Skerries and back, approx 1/2 mile) 9:00am start time. Cost: (£3 Medal for all finishers). Open to all ages but we do ask for children 9 and under to be accompanied by an adult. Number and chip need to be collected on race day, race HQ is next to the start on the High Street, Bangor.

The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982, and was conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races becoming so popular. The demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since. Route and Profile Race start time is 10.30am from just outside Llanberis. The route follows the A4086 and climbs to the top of the Llanberis Pass (Pen y Pass 1.100ft). Dropping down to the Pen Y Cwyryd junction, the race then follows the old road along to the campsite until it joins the A498. This 2km section is farm track, downhill, then the surface returns to the tarmac. There is a short, sharp uphill back up to the main road at the campsite. The route then continues to the Beddgelert (200ft) and then continues along the A4085 to Waunfawr. From here it is a rapid climb to about 1,200ft at Bwlch y Groes (a short length is unmetalled) and then downhill to the finish in Llanberis.

Wales Rally GB is a stage rally motor sport event and, in 2019, is the 12th round of the World Rally Championship. The event takes place over four days of competition and each day is divided into a number of ‘Special Stages’ which are when the drivers race against the clock for the fastest time. For the rest of the event they have to follow a pre-set schedule on normal public roads to get them to the next check point on time. Branded as Wales Rally GB since 2003 when the Welsh Government became the principal funding partner, the rally is based out of a central Rally Village with competitive stages throughout north and mid Wales. Wales Rally GB is organised and promoted by Motorsport UK.

Betws-y-Coed Trail Challenge was established in 2013 by not-for-profit community group Betws Ymlaen. Our aim is to stage an event that is challenging and enjoyable for the competitors and that showcases the stunning lakes and forests around Betws-y-Coed - the Gateway to Snowdonia. During the day we will also have a number of attractions for families and spectators around the village while the race takes place, including a junior fun run. For 2019 we are adding in a new challenge: a half marathon taking in double to ascent but also a second chance to take in the views.