International Snowdon Race
July 18
About International Snowdon Race
The International Snowdon Race (Welsh: Ras Rhyngwladol yr Wyddfa) is a mountain fell race that sends runners from the village of Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon, Wales’ highest peak, and back down again. In 2026 the race takes place on Saturday, 18 July, marking the 49th edition of one of Britain’s toughest and best-loved mountain running events.
How to Take Part in the International Snowdon Race
This is a serious mountain race rather than a casual fun run, but there are plenty of ways to get involved whether you fancy the climb yourself or simply want to soak up the atmosphere in Llanberis.
- Enter the main race – The full course covers roughly 10 miles (around 15.35km) from Llanberis to the summit and back. Entry is competitive and places fill quickly, so register early through the official Snowdon Race website and be honest about your hill-running experience.
- Train on real mountains – The 1,085 metres of ascent demand specific preparation. Build strength with repeated hill reps, practise fast, controlled descending on rough ground, and log long days out on terrain similar to the Llanberis Path.
- Sign up for a junior race – Younger runners aged 10 to 18 can take part in dedicated junior events, introduced in 2009, which start shortly after the main race and offer a taste of mountain racing on a safer, shorter course.
- Volunteer on the mountain – The race relies on marshals, timekeepers and mountain safety teams stationed along the route. Volunteering is one of the best ways to support the event and watch the leaders battle it out at close range.
- Cheer from Llanberis – You do not need to run to enjoy the day. The finish area buzzes with supporters, and the high street offers a grandstand view of exhausted runners sprinting the final stretch.
- Watch the coverage – Highlights are broadcast on S4C and have appeared on BBC iPlayer, while Radio Cymru has carried live commentary, so you can follow the drama even if you cannot get to Gwynedd.
- Raise money for charity – Many entrants use the challenge to fundraise. Pick a cause close to your heart, set up an online page, and let the sheer difficulty of the climb do the persuading.
- Plan a Snowdonia weekend – Make a trip of it. Llanberis sits at the foot of the mountain in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with lakes, slate heritage and walking trails that reward a longer stay.
What is the International Snowdon Race?
The International Snowdon Race is an annual fell race up and down Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), staged from Llanberis in north Wales. Runners follow the Llanberis Path, a five-mile climb gaining 1,085 metres (3,560 feet), before turning at the summit and descending back to the village. It draws elite mountain runners from across Britain and beyond, alongside club athletes and dedicated amateurs, and is regarded as one of the most demanding races on the UK fell-running calendar. If you enjoy outdoor challenges, you might also like National Canoe Day, another celebration of getting active in the landscape.
When is the International Snowdon Race?
In 2026 the International Snowdon Race takes place on Saturday, 18 July. The event is held annually on the third Saturday of July, so the exact date shifts slightly each year. The main race traditionally starts in the afternoon, with junior races setting off shortly afterwards. Because it is a variable-date event, the table below shows the next five editions.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 18 July |
| 2027 | Saturday, 17 July |
| 2028 | Saturday, 15 July |
| 2029 | Saturday, 21 July |
| 2030 | Saturday, 20 July |
The History of the International Snowdon Race
The race was the idea of Ken Jones, a runner from Llanberis who in 1976 put the concept to the village’s Carnival Committee. The first event was held on 19 July 1976 and attracted 86 competitors, a strong turnout that showed the appetite for a head-to-head race up the mountain that dominates the village skyline. Dave Francis won that inaugural race in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 5 seconds, setting the template for the punishing climbs and reckless descents that would define the event.
From those local roots the race grew steadily into an international fixture. It was first televised in 1987, a milestone that lifted its profile well beyond Gwynedd and helped attract overseas entrants. The course became a magnet for the best mountain runners in Europe, and the race went on to host the 1996 European Mountain Running Trophy and feature in the 2001 World Mountain Running Association Grand Prix. By 2010 close to 500 runners were lining up, representing nations including Scotland, Italy and Kenya.
The course records that still stand are a measure of how hard the route is. Kenny Stuart ran 1:02:29 in 1985, a time that has resisted every challenge for four decades, while Carol Greenwood set the women’s record of 1:12:48 in 1993. A junior race was added in 2009 to nurture the next generation of mountain runners, and the event today balances its fierce competitive edge with a warm community spirit rooted in Llanberis and the wider Welsh fell-running tradition.
Fun Facts About the International Snowdon Race
- The race climbs Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, which at 1,085 metres is the highest mountain in Wales and in England.
- The very first race in 1976 drew 86 runners; entry now regularly attracts around 600 competitors and frequently sells out.
- Kenny Stuart’s men’s record of 1:02:29, set in 1985, has stood unbeaten for more than 40 years.
- Carol Greenwood’s women’s record of 1:12:48 dates from 1993 and remains a benchmark of the event.
- Runners ascend roughly 1,085 metres in just five miles before facing an equally testing descent back to Llanberis.
- The race has been broadcast on S4C and BBC iPlayer, with live radio commentary carried on Radio Cymru.
Why the International Snowdon Race Matters
Beyond the medals and records, the race showcases Welsh mountain culture and the sport of fell running on a national stage. It brings visitors and attention to Llanberis and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, supports local fundraising, and inspires runners of every level to test themselves against one of Britain’s most iconic peaks. For the village that created it, the race is a point of pride and a tradition that has endured for almost half a century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Snowdon Race?
It is an annual mountain fell race from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back, covering around 10 miles with 1,085 metres of ascent. First held in 1976, it attracts elite and amateur runners from Britain and abroad.
When is the International Snowdon Race in 2026?
The 2026 race takes place on Saturday, 18 July, the 49th edition of the event. It is held each year on the third Saturday of July.
Who founded the International Snowdon Race?
The race was founded by Ken Jones of Llanberis, who proposed it to the village Carnival Committee in 1976. The first race drew 86 runners and was won by Dave Francis.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best Snowdon summit photos and finish-line moments on social media with #SnowdonRace and #SnowdonRace2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to take on the mountain next year!
Related Awareness Days
- National Canoe Day – A celebration of paddling and the outdoors that shares the Snowdon Race’s love of active adventure.
- Embrace Your Geekness Day – Another July date for the dedicated, perfect for runners obsessed with split times and elevation profiles.
- Shark Week – A late-July fixture for anyone who loves a thrilling challenge and the great outdoors.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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