The penultimate race of the 2019 Skyrunner UK & Ireland Series takes place this coming weekend with the inaugural SNOWDON SKYLINE.
Soaring ridges that includes the exposed arete of Crib Goch, Snowdon, Tryfan, Yr Wyddfa and the stunning majestic scenery of Wales makes this race a true highlight, especially when one considers that it is also the selection race for the SkyMasters that will take place in Lemone, Italy at the end of October.
The course starts and concludes at Hafod y Llan in the Gwynant Valley with a figure of 8 loop that crosses at Pen-y-Pass – a perfect spectator point as the race arrives here at mile 6 and once again at mile 15. This will allow you just enough time to race back to the finish and see the runners cross the line. At 36km with 3160m of vertical gain, Snowdon Skyline is going to be an epic race… Competitors have 12-hours to complete the route!
WOMEN
Sophie Grant, the 2018 Skyrunner UK & Ireland Champion will toe the line looking to gain maximum points and take her into the lead for the 2019 Series.
But Kasia Osipowicz will be looking to upset Sophie’s victory in the series so far, especially after her win in Ireland.
Sarah Ridgway, who knows this area like the back of her hand will be a hot contender for victory, especially as she holds the record for the Snowdon Horseshoe.
Lakeland 50 winner and GB athlete, Sally Fawcett will also race along with Elizabeth Richardson and Elizabeth Wheeler.
MEN
Damian Gielty heads up the men’s race after placing first at Scafell SkyRace and recently at Seven Sisters Skyline. If Damian wins in Wales he will have a maximum 300-points.
Jayson Cavill placed 2nd at Scafell, so, we know he can give Damian a race…. However, Jayson would need to compete at the last race of the series if he wants to compete for the UK & Ireland Series.
Liam Mills, Marcin Drozdziok, Mathew Fortes, Dan Murdoch and Javier Rodriguez from Spain will all push the front of the race.
Let’s not forget one or two surprises entrants who will no doubt shake things up!
Racing starts at 0800 on Sunday 15th September. Please also remember, there is a talk on the Saturday evening at 1800hrs with Beth Pascall and others. Beth is arguably the UK’s greatest ultra-runner after a string of consistent results. In 2019, she placed top-5 at the iconic Western States and UTMB. Tom Evans was billed to join the talk, however, he is currently injured and in rehab.
Race website : https://apexrunning.co/events/snowdon-skyline
