The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982. It was organised by the National trust as a fundraiser for their Snowdonia Appeal and was conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races that were becoming so popular. The demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since.
In 2007, the National Trust 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.
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 £35,000 has been donated to local organisations and causes in the last 10 years.
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.
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.
In 2022 almost 3000 runners will once again take to the roads raising almost £1,000,000 for charity.
