Snowdon Trail Run (Half Marathon) – Out & About Photos
“Run a half marathon, It will be fun!”, they said.
The Snowdon Trail Run 2019 was by far the most beautiful but most challenging and definitely the most painful physical thing we have ever done.
We talked to a pair of seasoned international trail runners there who called it the “hardest trail run in Europe, worse than any full marathon” they’d ever done … what?! Thank god they told us that AFTER we had completed the race 🙂
The scenery was breath-taking … and so were the steep inclines! We’re talking 1700 meters (5500 feet) of total elevation. But after fighting a hailstorm at the top of the mountain, running through thick fog for hours (which sometimes gave way to unbelievably beautiful views over Wales), and Mona getting lost along the way which added about an hour to her total running time, we both finally made it back to the starting line … tears of joy and pain to equal extent running down our faces. It was SO much fun, and SO horrible at the same time – and we loved it!
This whole outdoors/running/sport thing has become a passion of ours that isn’t music related but we thought we’d still leave these pictures here for those of you who are interested. Maybe next time we do something like that we should bring a small camera to document this roller coaster of emotions …
P.S. The area photos weren’t taken by us, they are from the event promoters “Trail Events Co”.
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I’ve always been told my ancestors were from Wales. It looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
The pics are gorgeous! The scenery is gorgeous! Two of the runners are gorgeous!
Hats of to you ladies????. I couldn’t run 5500 feet flat let alone elevation. But given the proper opportunity, I could fall down 5500 feet, gravity and me got a thing going.
The landscape is absolutely breathtaking! Beautiful country.
Had to be an easier way. Now I see what the Welsh author Arthur Machen is describing here and there in his autobiography (Far-Off Things). Congratulations to you both.
Wow, yes the scenery is breathtaking!! Such a beautiful course, but I know the hills were brutal. I lived in a relatively flat area and we used to drive an hour to this steep hill and run intervals to get some hill training in. My running buddies made me go with them. I guess I was about your age. But, I hated running that hill. And, looking at your pictures I can not imagine running that course! Congratulations to you both. I am impressed.
Beautiful scenery! (and the mountains are nice too) Sorry, I had to say it. You gals are certainly fit! The most I ever did was a 5k (walk). Then my walking partner got into 100 mile bike rides and I kinda sluffed off. Trying to get back into walking (when they let us out).
OMG, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!!!❤❤❤
CONGRATULATIONS on making it thru that run! Whew!
Mona wasn’t lost, she took the scenic route? besides, she knew where she was. Everyone else was lost.???
Truly beautiful pictures! Thanks so much for sharing LADIES?❤
Geographically challenged 🙂
That is just such an extraordinary effort Mona and Lisa. When I had knees that could manage it, I ran many half marathons and other community runs. Could not imagine doing it in all those clothes and in that weather and conditions though. Although our running season is in winter, it is both dry and quite warm compared to your conditions and I have only ever participated in running shorts, singlet and good running shoes and socks. Remarkable scenery for you though, in spite of the hilly and rough running route. I’m impressed that you manage to look after your health so well and I have no doubt you also have a very healthy diet, not withstanding the occasional sticky toffee pudding of course. ?❤️
Love seeing you ladies in every photo, and the scenery is amazing. I admire your willingness to take on challenges. I can’t imagine the training and pain to complete that course – scuba diving for me…
I was never a big runner, but I’ve always loved the mountains and done my share of time on top of some wonderful peaks and remote places. I’m getting a bit old to do much more, but the memories are always there.
This looks like one of those very special places to remember always. Wonderful pictures. Thanks for sharing them!
OMG! Scenery -spectacular beyond words! Terrain -rugged as hell! Bravery and endurance required -off the charts! Grabbing life by the horns and living everything life has to offer to the fullest – Mona and Lisa Wagner! True Rock Stars!!!
Holy Cow, I’m exhausted just looking at the photos….lol…just kidding, kudos to you both for tackling such a challenge for yourselves, you certainly proved you can do it, pain, sweat and joy and and senses of accomplishments all combined. The scenery is stunningly spectacular…though I’m not a born runner, nor enjoy any form of it, I’d be walking-hiking instead…I’m a born Walker, strolling along kinda gal…lol…Thankyou for sharing these, one certainly sense and grasp the adventurous spirit you both dominate so positively and enthusiastically… cue up “The Chariots Of Fire” song or ” ” We Are The Champions” !!!!??♀️???♀️?♀️
Oh wow, the high elevation scenery is stunning. It reminds me of some of the mountain top trails in the Canadian Rockies. You are both my exercise fitness inspiration these days. Being couped up for so long these days, these photos are exhilirating. A painful marathon in a beautiful breathtaking place like that sounds like perfection. Next time yes please do take a video camera, would love to see another vlog like that mud run! Thanks for sharing these! ??❤
Beautiful scenery, but I can see what a challenge the hills would be. I used to run before I got sick. Mostly 10k and half marathons. But, I did run a handful of marathons.
The most difficult run I ever ran was a 5k. I was working at Francis Marion University and my brother was Asst. Dean of Students and also Asst Track & Field, plus Cross Country coach. I always helped with events so they let me train with the Cross Country team.
One of the guys (really fast) talked me into running a 5k with him. He said, “It’s only 3.1 miles and you run marathons. You can kill it”
I knew better, but he pushed me until I agreed. He told me, “I’ll go out easy and pace you.”
We hit the first mile just under 5 minutes. I knew I was in trouble. We were leading (the not too competitive) race. David (the guy I was with) started to pull away, but I had serious dreams of finishing 2nd.
By the time I got to mile two, I felt like I had slammed into a speeding train. And then, run over by it. A guy passed me and I lowered my dreams to 3rd place. Then another guy passed me. And, another. And another.
I think I finished 17th or 18th.
I hurt worse than I hurt after any other race, regardless of the distance and/or terrain.
I admire you for running. It has to help with your endurance while singing song after song. And, just overall very healthy. Keep pushing each other and run until you are my age if you can.
I loved the pictures! But, my legs hurt just thinking about the hills. Great job! 🙂