The streets of Llanberis emptied early this morning as hundreds of runners headed uphill into the mountains of Eryri. The ERYRI 25K — the entry-level distance in the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB programme — is underway, and the weather has delivered a classic Snowdonia day: cloud on the summit, clear in the valleys, and conditions that change by the hour.
The Race
The 25-kilometre circular route takes runners from Llanberis up and over Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) at 1,085 metres before descending through technical rocky terrain and climbing again over Bwlch Maesgwm at roughly 600 metres. The total elevation gain — 1,400 metres in just 25 kilometres — makes this one of the steepest short-distance races in the UTMB World Series.
The Llanberis Path provides the main ascent route. It is the most gradual of Snowdon's six paths, but at race pace with hundreds of competitors, the climb is relentless. The first runners should have summited within 90 minutes of the start, with the bulk of the field taking 2-3 hours to reach the top.
The descent is where positions change. Technical, rocky, and steep, it rewards runners with confidence downhill and strong quads. Those who hesitate lose minutes to those who let go.
The Bigger Picture
Ultra-Trail Snowdonia also features 50K, 80K, and 100-mile distances running through the weekend. The 100-mile — with 9,600 metres of elevation gain — is one of the toughest ultra-trail events anywhere in the world. Runners in that race started yesterday and the final finishers will be coming home through tonight.
The ERYRI 25K carries one UTMB Running Stone, making it a gateway race for the UTMB Mont-Blanc ballot. For many runners today, this 25-kilometre race over Snowdon is the first step toward Chamonix.
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Cloud cover on the summit has been intermittent — runners who timed their ascent well caught clear views across Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula. Wind at altitude has been moderate. The trails are in good condition with some muddy sections on the lower paths.
The atmosphere in Llanberis is electric. The town is fully taken over by the trail running community — every cafe packed, every car park full, and the finish line drawing crowds of supporters.
Run These Trails Yourself
You do not need a race bib to run Snowdonia. The trails are open year-round. Our Race the Route: Snowdonia guide covers the best routes from Snowdon summit attempts to the Glyderau ridge and Cwm Idwal. Connect with trail runners on ZealZag who know these mountains.
Also this weekend: Vingegaard dominates Corno alle Scale at the Giro and the WSL Championship Tour continues at Raglan. The Keswick Mountain Festival wraps up today with 22,000 attendees.