The first Marathon Eryri (then called the Snowdonia Marathon) was held in 1982 and was the brainchild of local man Ken Jones. Following the success of the first London Marathon the year before, he really believed that something similar could work here in Eryri. He worked closely with John Disley and Chris Brasher (co-founders of the London Marathon) and delivered a race that was to become an iconic event on the running calendar. Ken organised the race again in 1983 before handing the reins over to the National Trust in 1984. 

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The Trust continued as organisers until 2007 when they found that they no longer had the resources to support the event and it looked like it would have to fold. To this end, Snowdonia Marathon Cyf was formed by members of the local community and registered as a non profit making company. Any funds raised by the event now go directly back in to the community through donations. Some funds are used to help to ensure the sustainability of the event.

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From the outset, the new organisation was determined the race would raise as much money for local causes as possible with 2007 seeing £11,000 going to local causes. Over £300,000 has been donated to local organisations and causes in the last 10 years.

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The money has been used in a variety of ways from building a climbing wall in Llanberis’ primary school, to conservation work, sports kit for local teams, to helping fund trips for volunteering groups in Gwynedd.

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In 2011, the Snowdonia Marathon was again voted the Best Marathon in the UK with the success being credited to the beautiful scenery, the runners that organize the race and the hospitality of the local people.

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In 2023 the Snowdonia Marathon become known as Marathon Eryri and in 2026 almost 3000 runners will once again take to the roads raising almost £1,000,000 for charity.