Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du 40K

Kit list

A list of mandatory and advised kit is readily available.

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.

Description

Starting and finishing at Plas y Brenin the route begins with a few fast and flat miles along the old Roman Road.

This acts as an approach to the technical running, which begins with a scenic traverse of Tryfan's Heather Terrace and onto the Glyderau, passing the iconic Castell y Gwynt, along the rocky summit ridge. Dipping down the scree to Llyn y Cwn, you'll climb back up Y Garn, with epic views along the Ogwen Valley, before a descent back to Ogwen Cottage and along the valley base to 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.

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 straightforward. 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 old Roman Road 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

3hrs 30 minutes at 17km.

In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of volunteers on the course there is a cut-off at Ogwen Cottage, 17km into the course. You must reach this point in 3 hours 30 minutes to be allowed to continue.

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 Ogwen40 | 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.

The 40k usually starts at 08:00 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 confirmed 10 days prior to your event.

Entry fees

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