Welsh 1,000 Metre Race

The Welsh 1,000m race was used by us as a training run. It is a tough race visiting all the peaks over 1,000m high in Wales. We ran it in June, but I had failed to update the blog until now! We started with a bus journey from Llanberis to Aber on the coast about an hour away. We were deposited in a field for registration (the green tent behind us in the field) where we got our transponders. We were then sent to a corner of the field for a kit check (hold up your map and compass - thanks). Then we were off. We started with a 5 mile climb up the Carneddau. We ran the first mile or so, but as the path got steeper, we started to walk.

And the views started to open up. The skies were clear which was good for the views, but meant lots of sun cream had to be slathered on our arms, necks and faces.

There were about 6 checkpoints on the way. This was the first and Chris had to sort out a developing blister with Compeed. The marshalls had a fantastic view, which contrasted with last year when they had gale force winds and plenty of rain.

We carried on over the Carneddau to two peaks. The ground was rough small stones, with most people walking up and everybody running down with varying degrees of speed and sure-footedness.

We ran with Harry (in the middle) but we all kept a similar pace and encouraged each other through the event. This was the second of the four peaks.

We then descended for two miles off the Carneddau to the next checkpoint and then up the Glyders. The descent is hardest on the quads and with a mile down an almost dead straight tarmac track, hard on the feet too. The road can be seen in the background on the next picture

The Glyders are a frustrating 999m high, so don't count for a peak in the race, just an obstacle to get over, so another walk up the side of a Welsh mountain. There was no real path, just some trodden grass from those who had gone before. This was looking down...

...and this was looking up...

Again some great scenery opened up at the top of the Glyders, with views across to Tryfan

The race comes off the Glyders at Pen-y-Pas where there was a drink station and checkpoint. We refilled our water reservoirs and grabbed a bite of food and then ascended the Pyg track around the Snowdon horseshoe. Towards the top, we had spectacular views back into the horseshoe. It helps explain one of the reasons why we do this. It was a beautiful day. Unfortunately that brought out the tourists who seemed to take a delight in getting in our way as we tried to race up the track. It made the ascent a bit tougher, as if we needed it.

Then up to the remaining two peaks...

finishing at the top of Snowdon.

A great day and a very tough route. We finished in about 6.5 hours and enjoyed a hard earned pasty, bun and drink in the Snowdon cafe. We found out a bit about each other's running during the race - Chris is faster uphill and I am faster downhill. I also have a tendency to start too fast!

The only frustration of the day was thinking that we deserved to take the train down to the car in Llanberis. However as the train was fully booked, we had to trek the 6 miles off Snowdon, so making it a 29 mile day in the end. I'm sure it was good training.

Overall it was a fantastic event with really helpful and friendly marshalls, which makes such a difference.