“Less cloud, more Sky ” that’s the strap line Ian Corless had penned on his Skyrunning UK website. However, it was definitely the other way round this weekend as I took part in the inaugural UK race. The Welsh 3000’s is essentially Snowdonia’s version of the Tranter’s straightened out to give a linear A to B route and it was / is a worthy route choice for the organisers to start with. Good paths interspersed with technical sections of scrambling and navigation make for a good mountain day. The twist with this race was that it’s organised by Vegans and those entering are bound by the race rules to observe a plant based diet for the duration of the race. In the end it wasn’t as awkward as first thought and pretty much I had the same things I normally do on a long run.
Most of the day was spent in thick cloud and although the course was partially marked (Skyrunner requirements) you still had to be on the ball to prevent going wayward. The occasional showers that rolled in added to the general murk at times and transformed sections of sure footed rock hopping into a bit of a lottery of greasy stepping stones, which slowed progress a little. I spent most of the day yoyo’ing with a couple of guys gaining a bit on the climbs and coming together on the descents until the final run to the finish where they had the legs over me.
Highly recommend Rowen’s location for anyone who wants to do it as an anytime challenge. Friendly little campsite and good pub in village. The organisers also have the “double” which looking at the cut off times looks a right challenge to meet. Maybe something for next year.
Preliminary Results are here
Matt Davis