Salford’s
Andi Jones, representing England, triumphed for the 4th consecutive
year in the International Snowdon Mountain Race to win in what was his slowest
ever time, 68:15, for the event, though that might have something to do with
the amount of people who were on the mountain during the race, especially
around the summit.
Race
conditions were ideal, dry with the summit covered in thick cloud; as always
Andi Jones sped off to leave the rest trailing up to the summit, though Ian
Holmes made a valiant attempt to catch up with him on the descent to finish 2nd
in 69:00. Ian’s descent time of 23:34 was the quickest of the day.
There
were some excellent performances from the Welsh team with Andy Davies 4th
in 70:11 and late replacement Peter Ryder 11th in 71:27; Richard
Roberts was 14th in 72:48 (a PB for him in the event), Martin Shaw 18th
in 74:36, Matthew Roberts 22nd in 76:13, Roland Stafford 23rd
in 76:24, Chris Near 30th in 78:48 and Iain Ridgway 36th in 80:47
despite suffering with stomach cramps.
Due
to late withdrawals, Wales only had the two representatives in the ladies team
with Anna Bartlett 75th (7th Female) in 89:09 and Andrea
Roberts 79th (9th Female) in 89:43. 1st Female
was England’s
Kate Ingram in the excellent time of 75:32.
England were once again the Male and Female team
winners in what was overall an excellent event worthy of its international
status.
On
a sad note, a member of the Eryri Harriers, Mark Lear, tragically died during
the event. Our sincere condolences are sent to his family and friends.
