Mountain High

Back in 2012 when I had very little marathon experience I entered the inaugural Trail Marathon Wales as the idea of running through the remote, rugged terrain of the Snowdonia National Park appealed to my nascent inner trail-runner.  On the drive over to north Wales that year I was hooked by the imposing natural beauty of the area and the marathon itself proved a truly exhilarating experience.  At the finish, in the midst of a profound runner's high, I vowed to return each year until I was no longer able to do so.  The third running was every bit as awe-inspiring and enjoyable as the first two and I'm delighted that the enchanting magic of the event continues to hold me in thrall.

The continuing development of the Coed y Brenin forest park enhances the event which improves still further with each running.  The extension to the visitor centre lends an amphitheatre feel to the new start/finish area as spectators view from the balcony areas high above.  From a runner's perspective the stark, grey Cadair Idris mountain, upon which local giant Idris is said to have reclined in order to study the night sky, is framed by the starting gantry serving as a reminder that despite the laid-back feel there are some very testing elements to this race.

The start viewed from the visitor centre

The visitor centre viewed from the start

The start is traditionally signalled by a shot from the gamekeeper's gun, usually from a position on a platform beside the gantry, however, on this occasion he was running late.  The race director was in the process of asking whether we wished to await his arrival when he appeared, scrambling down the hillside, set himself and fired us on our way.  The unusual start always adds to the palpable excitement which pervades the build-up to this event and smiles abounded as we set off ascending the first of many hills.  Unlike the first two events, the weather for this one was quite warm and I had decided that there was no point in trying to achieve any target time; I was going to relax, take photos and enjoy myself.  And that is exactly what I did...

The course, altered in each iteration for various weather related reasons, consists of a variety of forest tracks and trails and always manages to include some tremendous climbs and descents along with testing technical sections which on tired legs can lead to some spectacular falls.  Despite being someone that can quite literally trip over nothing, and regularly does so, I have never taken a tumble in my time on these trails, a record I am very keen to maintain!  This year the route took us over to the western side of the A470 for the first time.  Driving along that road, the inclines to that side always seem more severe than those to the east, however, once over there the route consisted of fairly similar terrain and the hot, hard work continued up and down some of the renowned mountain bike runs.  How people manage to cycle down parts of those trails I have no idea, it is tough enough remaining upright on two feet through the rocky twists and drops.

View of the start/finish from mile 21

And the reverse view looking back up to mile 21

Despite having taken things very easily, the nature of trail running in this area combined with the sun had me exhausted by the end, and it was with relief that I staggered across the line to meet the ever-supportive Mandy and was able to rest in the shade before a somewhat stiff-legged shuffle back up to the car-park.  The scenery and toughness of this event is like an addictive drug to me and so ten minutes later, back in our log-cabin, the date of next year's TMW was already entered onto my marathon calendar.  I really can't get enough of it and just hope the magic never fades.

21st June 2014  Trail Marathon Wales   5:29:23  #38