About This Race
The 78K course at Ultra-Trail Snowdonia represents the event's middle-distance offering, designed for runners who want a substantial mountain challenge without committing to the hundred-mile distances. Starting from the slate-quarrying village of Llanberis, beneath the iconic peak of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), this route covers nearly 50 miles through the heart of Eryri National Park. The course demands technical proficiency on exposed ridgelines, rocky descents, and the kind of changeable Welsh mountain conditions that can test navigation skills and weather management in equal measure. As part of the UTMB World Series, this race attracts an international field alongside local mountain runners who know these peaks intimately. The route takes runners through several distinct mountain ranges, crossing high passes and traversing terrain that shifts from grassy hillsides to boulder-strewn summits. While shorter than the 100K and 100-mile options, this distance still requires careful pacing and mountain experience—the technical nature of Snowdonia's paths means that raw speed matters less than sure-footedness and route-reading ability.
The route departs Llanberis and moves through the Glyderau range before continuing across the rugged landscape that defines this corner of North Wales. Runners encounter sustained climbs on rocky trails, exposed sections where weather can change rapidly, and technical descents that demand concentration late in the race. The course includes multiple mountain passes and ridgeline sections, with terrain ranging from well-worn footpaths to loose scree and boulderfields that require picking careful lines at pace.
Location
Practical Info
Mountain conditions in May can range from clear and mild to cold wind, rain, and low cloud. Runners should prepare for rapid weather changes typical of exposed Welsh peaks, with temperatures potentially dropping significantly at higher elevations.
MAN - Manchester Airport
Llanberis serves as race headquarters and offers lodging from hostels to B&Bs, though booking well in advance is essential for race weekend. Nearby towns like Caernarfon and Betws-y-Coed provide additional options within a short drive of the start line.