Ras yr Aran Fell Race
10 Miles with 3100' Ascent.
Race Category: AM/LK/PM/NS/SER
The third and final race in the Meirionnydd - Winter Race Series.
Junior Race Distance 3.25km 150 metres of ascent Minimum age 11 on the day
The lower reaches of the race are run on a mixture of well marked tracks and footpaths, but the open fells above are unmarked. The high mountain terrain can be featureless and runners are exposed at high altitude for a long time to the varied and often adverse (but occasionally delightful!) weather conditions. Navigational skills may be necessary. The race map shows the route but also study larger area maps especially of terrain to South and East.
Ras Yr Aran Race Report 2026
Having had to move the race a week early due to the village hall being booked we were a bit worried about the weather, especially as the previous weekend the mountain was covered in snow.
However we didn’t need to worry as it was a gorgeous Spring day with very little wind, allowing the race to go to the summit for the first time in a number of years.
Junior Race
Unfortunately there was only one competitor in the Junior Race, however CooperChilds didn’t disappoint with a fantastic run completing the 3.25k hilly course in 18.25 and setting a boys under 14 course record in the progress.
In the Adult Men’s/Open Race Chris McLean of Meirionnydd Running Club led from the start finishing over 5 minutes ahead of 2nd place Dominic Jones of Mercia Fell Runners in 1.36.16. 3rd place went to Owain Rowlands of Aberystwyth AC in 1.44.23
.
In the Female race
Jackie Lee of Eryri Harriers romped home in 2.00.43 almost 12 minutes ahead of 2nd place Lowri Newman who finished 7 minutes ahead of fellow Meirionnydd RC runner Elen Evans in 3rd place.
Meirionnydd RC won both the Male and Female team events but was pushed very close by Mercia Fell Runners in the male race with only a minute between the two teams.
The winter series which consists of 3 fell races Rhobell Fawr, Tarrenhendre and of course Ras yr Aran was won by both Chris and Jackie with Gareth Hughes of Meirionnydd RC and Darren Hesleton of Bro Dysynni AC finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Male race, Mandy Peffers of Clwydian Range Runners and Elly Blackwell of Meirionnydd RC doing likewise in the female race.
