MORE than 600 runners tackled the slopes of Snowdon as the Tyn Lon Volvo International Snowdon Race / Ras-yr-Wyddfa was shortened for the first time in its 39-year history last Saturday.

After consulting mountain rescue organisations, emergency services and the RAF at Valley, the unstable weather above the Clogwyn Bridge station forced organisers to take the decision to reduce the race from a 10 to 8-mile event.

However, this did nothing to dampen the spirits of the runners, hundreds of volunteers and marshals, and the thousands of supporters amassed in Llanberis.

Italy's Cesare Maestri came out on top in the mens race to win in 47 minutes and 20
seconds, ahead of team-mate Erik Rosaire (47.20) from Ireland's Tim O'Donoghue (47.50).

Six-time winner Andi Jones had to settle for sixth place (48.34) on this occasion, while local trio Matt Roberts (51.14), Richard Roberts (51.28) and Alun Vaughan (51.30) came through in 18th, 19th and 20th respectively.

A formidable performance from Ireland's Sarah McCormack saw her cruise to victory in the womens race ahead of Tessa Hill of Arc'teryx (57.56) and Italian international Elisa Compagnoni (58.04), while Welsh international Andrea Rowlands finished in fourth (59.43).

It was Leeds City AC’s James Walsh who eventually pulled away to take victory in the Snowdon Super Cup (29.49), six seconds ahead of Eryri’s Rob Samuel (29.55)
and 21 quicker than Ilkely Harriers Tony Adams (30.10)

The womens race proved a clean-cut affair, with Emma Clayton of Bingley Harriers (34.09) taking the win from Sarah Tunstall (35.38) and Kate Hulls of Bristol and West AC (36.44).

Event organiser Stephen Edwards said: "We took to call to shorten the course after taking the advice of all of the emergency services and agencies on the ground, but I have to say it was the right decision for us as a race organisation.

“I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all for the volunteers, supporters and of course the Llanberis community for once again making this a day to remember."