The heat is on for the return of the Snowdonia Trail Marathon

This year XTERRA came on board as headline sponsor, having approached Always Aim High Events looking to add a UK race to their impressive series of premiere trail runs across the world. With its iconic status, enviable reputation and spectacular setting; as well as growing interest in the race from overseas athletes, it was the obvious choice.

Usually, when conditions are tough in North Wales, it means rain and wind but 2022 delivered the hottest weekend of the year with barely a breeze coming in across the lake adjacent to the buzzing event village and temperatures soaring even before the 6.30 Ultra Marathon start.

191 crossed the line in the Ultra Marathon which encompassed 2,275m of climbing over 60km, visiting Cwm Tresgl and Cwm Pennant before rejoining the Marathon route to ascend Snowdon. There was some incredible racing on a tough day, most notably between the eventual male and female winners with Ellis leading throughout until the last checkpoint on Snowdon where Maurco Persic managed to pull in front by barely a minute. It was barely a minute however and with great skill and speed on the descent from both runners and a battle to the end it was Ellis who crossed the line first 24 seconds ahead. Paul Martin took second in the Men’s race and Andrea Rowlands in the ladies.