Runners take on popular Eryri marathon

They were thrilled to seeing their club colleague Mark Davies positioned near the start line following a serious accident earlier this year.

This extremely tough encounter was run in very good conditions and attracted 2,228 endurance athletes, including many from top fell running and mountain racing clubs, with entrants praising the incredible support from marshals and volunteers enroute, together with the spectacular scenery.

Husband and wife team Ben and Sarah Fergie Hudson were the first NWRRC finishers with Ben running home in 381st place in 3 hours 54 minutes and 15 seconds, and Sarah confirmed another great run in 3.56.18, to claim 419th place.

Some of the NWRRC team at the Eryri Marathon (*l-r), Kelly Alford, Steve Bozier, Karl Morris, Stuart Culverhouse, Cai Roberts and Vicky Taylor.

Steve Bozier said he found this marathon ‘very tough’ but ran well in 450th place in 4.07.06, with endurance athlete Karl Morris – running with Mark Davies’s special race number – finishing 608th in 4.12.43, whilst Stuart Culverhouse also admitted a battle with fatigue, but put in a strong effort in 697th place in 4.17.39.

Jamie Tharme was 1,160th in 4.47.13, whilst Hannah Griffith, running with her sisters Siwan Kalatzi and Angharad Rudkin, was 1,838th in 5.35.47. Meanwhile, Gwennan Charlton had a good run despite her charity Dark Run the previous evening with her family, and she too was pleased to claim 1,993rd place in 5.53.23.

Cai Roberts and his partner Kelly Marie Alford ran together, along with club colleague Vicky Taylor, and they all finished about the same time in just over six-hours in 2,022 places onwards, whilst Rachel Morris celebrated a tremendous performance in 2,126th place in 6.28.37.

The race was won by Marshall Smith (Ashford AC) in 2.31.19, with Alaw Evans taking the 1st female prize in 2.58.03.

After the race, Steve Bozier said: “It was amazing to see Mark Davies before, and during the race today. That smile cheered everyone up who saw it, and Karl Morris did him proud running in his race number and name too.

“Massive congratulations to the speedy couple Sarah Fergie Hudson and Ben Hudson who left me for dust around Waunfawr Hill, and also to Rachel Morris who was unbelievable.

“My race didn't go to plan, although I felt so good and comfortable till miles 16/17, then my body decided enough was enough, and only through gritted teeth and lots of swearing and grunting completed it.”

Sarah Fergie Hudson added: “Ben was first for the club, and I did 3.56, and I’m over the moon, plus a little pleased to beat all those boys.”

Sarah Fergie Hudson with husband Ben.

Jamie Tharme added: “This was one tough marathon, but my existing injuries soon reared their head, and quickly put me in my place. There were some beautiful views, but that’s got to be one of the hardest marathons ever.

"Eryri chewed me up and spat me out!”

Hannah Griffith said: “I completed the marathon with my two lovely sisters Siwan Kalatzi and Angharad Rudkin. Fantastic support, marshals, and stunning views helped to get us round the tough route. We did it, got around, chatted, sang, laughed, and even had tears at the end as we finished outside the house that we grew up in.”

Rachel and Karl Morris.

Rachel Morris also confirmed: Wow! This was hard but I loved it. The support was amazing. Karl ran with Mark Davies’s number, that he won in the auction raising money after Mark’s accident. I enjoyed the marathon, and I’m glad I did. It’s a fantastic race, marshals and supporters are all amazing. Especially the mile twenty-four feed station, music playing marshals dressed up, offering tea, coffee sandwiches biscuits.

"The cup of tea went down a treat.”