Meirionnydd Goats shine at Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa
Blue skies, mountain drama and a determined set of Meirionnydd Goats performances made it a memorable day at one of Europe’s classic endurance races.
There was a real sense of anticipation in Llanberis as runners gathered for the 49th edition of Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa – the International Snowdon Race. The Welsh national anthem gave the start line an extra emotional lift, setting the tone for a day full of atmosphere, effort and support on the mountain.
Conditions were close to ideal. Cooler weather replaced the recent heat, while a cloud inversion halfway up the mountain gave way to beautiful blue skies on the summit. As ever, the crowds along the route and at the finish helped create the buzz that makes this race such a special fixture in the mountain running calendar.
Welsh vests and elite performances
Cai Dafydd and Ben Porter both flew the flag for Wales and Meirionnydd, giving the crowd plenty to cheer about. Their speed on the descent was a highlight for many watching and racing, as they came flying back down the mountain while fellow club runners were still making their way up towards the summit.
Cai was running strongly and reached the summit in fifth place before an unfortunate tumble on the descent. He still finished 17th in the elite race in 1:13:37. Ben also produced an impressive run, finishing 18th elite in 1:15:02 despite having recently completed a big ultra across Wales. Their performances gave the Goats a proud presence at the sharp end of the international field.
Club results
Across the squad there were strong runs, personal bests and plenty of determination throughout the field. The full set of Meirionnydd Goats finishers is shown below, with Jean Ashley and Helen Jones also taking age group wins — a fantastic achievement on such a demanding course.
Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa Club Results 2026
A race with history
Ras yr Wyddfa is widely regarded as one of Europe’s toughest endurance challenges. The 10-mile route starts by Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, climbs the Llanberis Path to the summit of Yr Wyddfa — the highest mountain in Wales and England — and then sends runners back down the same route to the finish.
The first race took place on 19 July 1976 after Llanberis runner and walker Ken Jones suggested the idea to the village Carnival Committee. Eighty-six runners lined up for that inaugural event, which was won by Dave Francis of Bristol in 1:12:05.
Since then, the event has grown into a major international mountain race, attracting runners from across Europe and beyond while retaining its strong Llanberis community roots. The official race preview notes that 2026 marks 50 years since the first running of the race, with the 49th edition taking place on 18 July 2026.
Looking ahead
Well done to everyone who raced, supported and helped make the day so memorable. The Goats can be proud of a strong showing at an iconic Welsh race — and with a special weekend of racing planned around the anniversary celebrations, next season is already one to put in the diary.
