SIX Meirionnydd runners took part in the Scott Trail Events, coverting a 10k, half marathon and marathon.

In the 10k race Jude Evans finished in 1:18:02, and in the half marathon Mpho Bogatsu was the only Meirionnydd runner in 3:25:58.

In the marathon, Meirionnydd had four runners competing and the first home was Mat Fenwick in 4:49:15.

He was followed by Dylan Evans in a time of 5:33:14, Andrew Ellis in 5:42:05 and Allanah Fenwick in 6:44:14.

With athletes coming to Wales from almost 40 countries to race the Scott Snowdonia Trail marathon, it is clear the event has become ‘a true classic’. With clear skies and a cool breeze the weather was perfect for running, and with this brilliant weather new race records were set in every distance.

Marathon runners took in the sights of Maesgwm, Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert and Nant Gwynant before ascending Snowdon via the Pyg Track to the Finger Stone, where they met the Half Marathon to descend the Llanberis Path to the finish line. After some close racing, both the Men’s Marathon and Men’s Half Records were broken; with Notts AC’s Ben Livesey taking the Half to 1.49.24 and Jack Oats the Full to 3.37.53.

The 10km runners took an abridged version of the course through the foothills of Snowdon before attacking a grueling ascent through Padarn Country Park and Dinorwig Quarry, proving this really is a seriously challenging shorter race. Hannah Jones of Betsi Runaways shaved 6.08 off the Women’s 10k record, to take it down to 50.56 and reclaim her title from 2016.

Joining the three race distances for 2018 was the brand new Ultra Marathon.

The 60km route took in an extra 3,000 feet of ascent in the scenic Cwm Pennant, making for a total of over 7,000 feet. A hard days running, by anyone’s definition.

A spokesman for Always Aim High Events, organisers of the SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon said: “The 2018 Scott Snowdonia Trail Marathon has been the biggest yet. Selling out at 2,500 this race is now a firm fixture in a number of our competitors calendars.

"It’s great to see people coming back year on year and bringing their friends to enjoy our fantastic landscape we have here in Snowdonia. We’d like to thank our marshals that made the race such an incredible experience, our race partners and Gwynedd County Council as well as Padarn Country Park and all the locals.”

Entries for the 2019 SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon open now and runners are urged to enter as soon as possible.