On Saturday Spirit of Monmouth member Elizabeth Sim had the most amazing day by taking part in marathon Eryri which took part in Llanberis in, Snowdonia.

Marathon Eryri, is known as one of Wales’ most challenging sporting events, and one of the UK’s greatest marathons, and it welcomed over 2,800 competitors last weekend.

Starting outside Llanberis, the route followed the A4086 and climbed to the top of the Llanberis Pass (Pen y Pass 1.100ft). Dropping down to the Pen Y Cwyryd junction, then the race followed the old road along to the campsite until it joins the A498. 

Participants followed some farm track before heading to another hill which continued to Beddgelert (200ft) and then continued along the A4085 to Waunfawr. From there runners had a rapid climb to about 1,200ft at Bwlch y Groes (a short length is unmetalled) where then the relief of a downhill stretch to the finish in Llanberis.

Marathon Eryri is one of Elizabeth’s favourite events and she has managed to run it six times already in the past, and also took part in their virtual event during lockdown.

Elizabeth said her fitness was lacking due to a nasty round of Covid, but knew her legs still remembered how to cover the distance. A comfortable pace was set to complete the course and taking in the beautiful scenery surrounding her and the other athletes .

Elizabeth managed to finish the race in 4:48:26 which is an incredible time with the profile of the race. Finishing not too far from her previous race Elizabeth is already looking forward to raking on the challenge again next year.

Meanwhile save the date this years Spirits' popular annual Santa Fun Run is set for Sunday, December 1, but will taken place over a different route this year, due to the Vauxhall Inglis Bridge closure.T

he race will start at the Sportsground and use part of the park run route with thanks to Andy Tabb and the Sports Association. Updates will appear on the event's Facebook page.

Are you interested in running and fancy joining a local running club ? Please take a look at the Spirit of Monmouth’s running club website https://spiritofmonmouth.co.uk/ or contact for more information [email protected].