Ultra runners 'escorted' off Yr Wyddfa as five races abandoned in searing heat

North Wales Live

a day ago

Long-distance running challenges on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) have been abandoned in today's searing heat (Saturday, July 12). Competitors are being helped off Wales' highest mountain after temperatures hit the high 20s.
Five events were stopped, including marathon and ultra distances. Also abandoned was the BlackYr Wyddfa/Snowdon24 event, in which competitors are challenged to run up and down the mountain as many times as possible in 24 hours. It's billed as the 'ultimate ultra trail endurance race'.
In a social media statement, organiser Always Aim High Events (AAHE) said: 'Due to extreme temperatures, it is no longer safe to continue with the event. All runners are currently being safely escorted off the mountain by our event staff and mountain leader team.
'Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all participants. Please bear with us as we focus on ensuring everyone returns safely. Thank you for your understanding.'
Although temperatures at the summit were a forecasted 22C-23C, the event's base in Llanberis was expected to reach at least 28C. Humidity levels are also relatively high, with little wind.
An Anglesey woman, who marshalled the events on the Snowdon Ranger Path where it meets the Maesgwyn Path, said conditions were tough. 'I really struggled in the heat and I was only directing them,' she said.
'Never so glad to get of a mountain when I stepped down. Good call, disappointing for the runners but safety comes first.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
Another marshall said it was 'already incredibly hot' at 7am near the mountain railway line. In view of the conditions, one competitor said he had stepped down from the marathon to the half-marathon to be on the safe side.
The decision was widely applauded, though eyebrows were raised. 'The weather has been forecast in advance,' said one woman on social media. 'So why not have just re-scheduled rather than let people start?' Online, a competitor said the races 'should never have started!'
Another suggested the cautious approach was the right one. 'Better that everyone is safe and well,' she said. 'Massive well down to the organisers and volunteers to get everyone safely back to Llanberis. There's always next year!'
But an ultra runner in the Black Diamond 24-hour event felt he should have been able to make his own decision. Alternatively, the race could have been held for a few hours to allow conditions to cool, he said.
Writing online, he said: 'Yes it's a hot day but an intelligent athlete who has trained for ultra distance generally knows how to self manage and pace according to conditions.
'The line I've been given is that mountain rescue were overwhelmed but I doubt very much that the ultra runners were amongst the casualties. I for one am incredibly disappointed, I have been prepping and planning for this event and feel I could/should have been trusted to manage the conditions.'
Other races scheduled for today included a 10K, Half Marathon and a "kids race". The first event began at 6.30am, the last at 10am. AAHE announced its decision online at 1.35pm.