LLANBERIS’ own Alun Vaughan kept the Welsh flag flying high as he claimed victory in the 32nd Snowdonia Marathon Eryri.

The Welsh International held his nerve to claim a momentous victory in front of his hometown crowd on Saturday.

Vaughan’s victory keeps the Welsh winning streak at the race, with three-time champion Rob Samuel having to swap his running shoes for the starting gun this time around due to an injury.

Alun held off competition from Neath man Steve Rees, who stayed neck-and-neck with the Gwynedd runner until 16 miles, when he was forced to pull out through injury.

From there, Eryri Harrier Vaughan went on to cross the line in two hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds, ahead of second-placed Steve Rees of Neath Harriers (2.44.58), and third-placed Harvey Wharton, who clocked a superb time of 2.45.26 in his first Snowdonia Marathon.

Alun Vaughan said: "I have grown up watching this race in Llanberis, and I never really imagined that I would be able to win it.

“I have been running since I 10 years old and this is by far the most satisfying race for me.

“It went really well out there today, though I did think that as I had to go with the the pace of Ceri for the first half that I went a little too quick early on!

“Still none of that matters now, as I have won the Snowdonia Marathon, which is amazing."

In the women's race, Mochdre-based eryri Harrier Andrea Rowlands won convincingly in 3.08.52, ahead of Lucy Warmsley of Bourton Roadrunner (3.11.34) and Les Croupiers runner Angharad Mair (3.18.20).

With over 2,500 entries, Race organiser Jayne Lloyd once again held the race’s success.

She said: “I have only just stopped crying!

"This means so much to us at this race to have two great winners and for me personally I have seen Alun grow up and taste success over the years at such races as Ras yr Wyddfa.

“This really is one of Wales’ premier road races and sporting events of any kind and has helped bring so much to the local economy over the years - this year more than ever I suspect.”

Results and additional information can be found at www.snowdoniamarathon.com, on Facebook and Twitter @marathoneryri.