Ogwen Yr Helgi Du 25K
Sat 2 Aug 2025 Betws-y-Coed, Clwyd, UK

Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du 25K

Skyline racing in Ogwen over 25K and one of the trail running events as part of the Snowman multi-activity weekend.

  • Sat 2 Aug 2025
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Ogwen Yr Helgi Du 25K

08:30

Age 18 & over

£49.99-£55.99

  • 25 km trail running

Event overview

The Craft Snowman forms part of a popular multi-activity event weekend encompassing all that the adventure playground of North Wales offers and is infamous for a reason - just when you think you’re done there is a different challenge you’re not expecting.

An exciting, adrenaline-fuelled and truly epic and unforgettable experience; completing The Snowman is a tick that every triathlete wants.

Are you up for the trio? The Snowman is also the second part of a prestigious Adventure Series of triathlons and duathlons.

If you prefer the single disciplines, dive into the Snowman Swim or a pure trail/sky run over the distance of your choice. Whichever you enter, the vibe is sure to exceed any expectations.

Highlights

  • Lively Event Village

    Music, commentary, shopping, food and chill out zones.

  • Family-friendly vibes

    Family finishes and plenty to see and do.

  • On course support

    Brilliant marshals, signage and pick-up vehicles.

  • Unique finisher mementos

    Collect the second part of our famous Adventure Championships series.

  • Spectacular scenery

    Eryri's awe-inspiring scenery is the backdrop to your race.

  • Professional timing

    Chip timing and online results.

This event is part of Craft Snowman Triathlon & Duathlon, Snowman Swim & Ogwen Yr Helgi Du Trail Runs.

  • All fitness levels
  • Event expo
  • Event village
  • Free venue entry
  • Newcomers
  • Spectators
  • Teams
  • Traders at event

Kit list

A list of mandatory and advised kit is readily available.

  • Accommodation
  • Bag storage
  • Bar
  • Cafe
  • Mountains
  • Music
  • Restaurant
  • Rural
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre
Capel Curig
Betws-y-Coed
Clwyd
LL24 0ET
UK

Registration is usually located at Plas Y Brenin - LL24 0ET. Full details will be available 10 days prior to your event.

  • First aid
  • Marshals
  • Mountainous
  • Out and back
  • Sweeper
  • Water stations
  • Way markers

Description

Starting and finishing at Plas y Brenin the route begins with a few fast and flat miles along the Eryri Slate Trail.

This acts as an approach to the technical running, which begins with a lung busting ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen (978m). This ascent has approximately 700m of elevation gain over 2 miles, and includes a short section of easy scrambling. This section is not technically demanding but a decent level of running fitness will be required. Do not underestimate the Pen yr Ole Wen climb or the majesty of the views across to Tryfan (subject to weather!!)

The next 3 miles of the route are a series of glorious ascents and descents across the skyline of Carneddau Fach (960m), Dafydd (1044m) and Llewelyn (1064m). The tracks are all quite runnable until you descend off the South-East of Llewelyn This requires some careful scrambling down. It’s a short section and is again, technically pretty straight forward. This leads to the final ascent, the wonderful Pen yr Helgi Ddu. The final push to the top involves more easy scrambling and you are rewarded with views of the Glyderau, including Tryfan, and Cwm Llugwy.

The descent is made for downhillers. It is a fast, flowing and mainly on grass tracks. A few more miles on the Slate Trail and you’ll be back at Plas y Brenin with a huge smile on your face. You’ll know you’ve had a tough but rewarding day in the hills.

Map

Cut off

2hrs 30 mins to 9.6km

In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of volunteers on the course there is a cut-off at the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen, 9.6km into the course. You must reach this point in 2 hours 30 minutes to be allowed to continue. 

Sustainability

  • Bring your own cup
  • Plastic bottle free
  • Plastic-free event
  • Public transport links
  • Recycling
  • Reusable cups
  • Sustainability policy
  • Trees not tees

  • Chip timing
  • Eco medal
  • Event app

Included

  • Spectacular scenery - views across Anglesey and Eryri
  • Professional timing - chip timing, online results & SMS text result
  • Fully signed and marshalled route
  • Mountain Leader support
  • Access to event village - music, commentary, food vendors and shopping
  • Locally sourced slate finisher coaster
  • Finish line food
  • Event memento worth £12.50
  • Drink stations (Water, High5 & High5 gels)
  • Secure bag drop

Prizes

Prize Categories for the Ogwen25 | Yr Helgi Du are (for both open & female categories)

  • Overall: Top 3*
  • Senior: 1st runner
  • V40: 1st runner
  • V50: 1st runner
  • V60: 1st runner
  • V70: 1st runner
  • V80: 1st runner

All prizes must be collected on the day.

* If any runner places in Overall and Vet then a drop-down system will occur.

  • Age 18 & over
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

The 25k usually starts at 08:30 though this is subject to change.

Your bib (race number) will need to be collected from registration on the morning of the race, where there will also be a kit check to ensure you have the required Mandatory Kit. Registration can be found within the Plas y Brenin building.

All details will be in your Final Instructions on the website 10 days prior to the race.

Entry fees

Entry fee

£49.99

Valid to 02/02/2025

Entry fee

£52.99

Valid 02/02/2025 - 27/07/2025

Entry fee

£55.99

Valid from 27/07/2025

What a race this was. Firstly for the physical effort, secondly for the scenery and lastly for the organisation... All the marshalls were excellent and the organisation was great. Hoping to do the series next year. Thanks for a great weekend. Luke C

What a day of racing, this is an amazing race, so full of sights, sounds and fantastic support. Chris K

What can I say, well - in a nutshell AMAZING, 10/10 on everything, but be warned if you don't train for this event it will destroy you. This is an amazing triathlon. I cannot recommend enough... brilliantly organised, thoroughly marshalled and signed. Chris K

Will I be back for this amazing race? YES! I will, it was the most fun I'd had in lycra this year so far! John B

Really friendly event, and great support. Sian W

Really really well organised every single time. The re-branded snowman was epic, and I would recommend it to anybody. John B

Snowman Triathlon left me speechless.  An incredible adventure. Glen D

The organisation was exellent, the weather hot and clear, the race is a must do event for those after a challenge. Tim F

The race is recommended! Nic W

Can't beat the super location and stunning scenery at this event. Well organised and great fun. Jasmine B

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

Other races at event

  • Sun 3 Aug 2025
  • #1 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Sprint Triathlon

08:00

Age 17 & over

£89.99-£114.99

  • 750 m lake swimming
  • 27 km mountain biking
  • 6.1 km multi terrain running
  • Sun 3 Aug 2025
  • #2 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Standard Triathlon

09:00

Age 17 & over

£105.99-£130.99

  • 1500 m lake swimming
  • 69.2 km mountain biking
  • 8.4 km multi terrain running
  • Sun 3 Aug 2025
  • #3 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Legend (70.3) Triathlon

07:00

Age 18 & over

£224.99-£249.99

  • 1900 m lake swimming
  • 95 km mountain biking
  • 21.1 km multi terrain running
  • Sun 3 Aug 2025
  • #4 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Sprint Duathlon

08:00

Age 17 & over

£69.99-£78.99

  • 2.3 km road running
  • 27 km road cycling
  • 6 km road running
  • Sat 2 Aug 2025
  • #5 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Ogwen Yr Helgi Du 10K

09:00

Age 15 & over

£31.99-£37.99

  • 10 km trail running
  • Sat 2 Aug 2025
  • #7 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Ogwen Yr Helgi Du 40K

08:00

Age 18 & over

£74.99-£80.99

  • 40 km trail running
  • Sat 2 Aug 2025
  • #8 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Snowman Swim 1000m

13:30

Age 15 & over

£33.99-£38.99

  • 1000 m lake swimming
  • Sat 2 Aug 2025
  • #9 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Snowman Swim 2.4 Miles

13:30

Age 18 & over

£45.99-£50.99

  • 2.4 miles lake swimming
  • Sat 2 Aug 2025
  • #10 of 10
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed

Snowman Swim 2000m

14:15

Age 17 & over

£42.99-£47.99

  • 2000 m lake swimming