Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du | 40K

Kit list

A mandatory and recommended kit list is readily available.

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

The Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du 40K is a certified International Skyrunning Federation course that covers some of the most impressive and challenging terrain in Eryri.

The 40km route is the headline act of the race weekend — a true test of endurance, strength, and mountain skill. Starting and finishing at Plas y Brenin, this demanding course takes runners across the towering peaks of the Glyderau and Carneddau ranges.

With over 3,000 m of elevation gain, sections of Grade 1 scrambling, and exposed ridgelines, this is Skyrunning at its most authentic. From Castell y Gwynt to Pen yr Ole Wen and the mighty Carnedd Llewelyn, every climb is rewarded with jaw-dropping views, and the satisfaction of conquering one of the UK’s toughest mountain races.

Ability level

Participants should have experience and knowledge of running in mountainous environments, as well as the ability to make good progress over rough and uneven terrain. The average finish time is 8 hours for the 40k.

The terrain includes short sections of scrambling (up to grade 1) that may require the use of both hands and feet for ascent and descent. Participants must be comfortable on such terrain. Participants must be able to follow a way-marked course and also be competent in using a map, compass, or GPS for navigation. Participants must be in good health, have undertaken appropriate training and be confident in their ability to complete the race safely. Although Mountain Leaders oversee the course, participants should be able to look after their own needs on the course, and will carry the mandatory kit listed below.

Cut off

17km in 5 hours.

In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course, there is a cut-off at Ogwen Cottage, 17km into the course. You must reach this point in 5 hours to be allowed to continue. An additional cut-off exists at the summit junction at Llewelyn; if you do not reach this point by 3 pm, you will not be allowed to complete the out-and-back section to Yr Elen. You will still be allowed to continue to the finish, where a short-course result will be issued.

Event HQ

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

Included

• Lively Event Village

  Music, commentary, shopping, food, drink & toilets.

• Epic marked trails

  With Mountain Leader support on the course.

• On course support

  Friendly marshals, signage, energy stations and support vehicles.

• Unique finisher mementos

  Beautifully designed to reflect our event locations and local history.

• Spectacular scenery

  Epic Eryri Skyline and scenery.

• Professional timing

  Chip timing, and online results.

Optional extra

• Race photography

Prizes

• 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.

What an incredible race! From start to finish, everything about the event was just spot-on. The course took us through some of the most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen during a race. Soyeb, 2025

Your Final Instructions will be emailed to you at least 10 days before the event. These instructions include all the detailed information you will need about the event and your specific race including confirmed timings.

Entry fees