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Welsh clubs impress as Italy dominates the 2026 Snowdon International Mountain Race

The spectacular setting of Llanberis once again hosted one of the world’s most iconic mountain races as elite international athletes and hundreds of club runners tackled the demanding ascent and descent of Yr Wyddfa in the 2026 Snowdon International Mountain Race.

Italy dominated the international men’s race, with Massimiliano Berti producing a magnificent performance to win in 1:04:13, ahead of compatriots Tiziano Moia (1:05:47) and Giulio Simonetti (1:07:14), completing a memorable Italian clean sweep of the podium.

There was plenty to celebrate from a Welsh perspective. Representing Cymru, Sam Gunning was the first Welsh athlete home, finishing an excellent 16th overall in 1:12:55 after another outstanding display on one of the sport’s toughest courses. He was closely followed by Gavin Sadler in 19th (1:13:28), Cai Dafydd in 20th (1:13:37), Ben Porter in 24th (1:15:02), Kieran in 25th (1:15:06) and Rhys Jones in 26th (1:15:16), underlining the strength and depth of the Welsh international team.

Among the club athletes, Deeside AAC celebrated one of the standout performances of the day as Ed Woodhead claimed victory in the Under-23 category, finishing an outstanding 28th overall in 1:15:43. Maldwyn Harriers also impressed, with Matt Benson taking second in the Under-23 competition in 1:21:27.

Eryri Harriers once again demonstrated why they remain one of Britain’s strongest mountain-running clubs. Siôn Edwards led the club home in 34th overall with 1:18:01, while Ian Edwards, Owain Hunt Williams, Darren Roberts, Adam, Ieuan, Jake, Luke Jones, Iolo Owen, Hugh Morgan, Gwion Williams, Gary Julio, Ifan Jones, Gwydion and Guto Edwards all featured strongly throughout the results. The women were equally impressive, with Elliw Haf, Mabli Baines, Jennifer Charlton, Alison Thomas, Cadi Ostler and several other Eryri athletes securing leading positions across the senior and masters categories.

Rhedwyr Hebog enjoyed another successful home race. Elis Jones finished 38th overall in 1:18:54, while Jacob Hiom, Dion Jones, Tomos, Goronwy Hughes, Iwan ap… and several others ensured the club featured prominently throughout the field.

There were also excellent performances from Mynydd Du, led by Jonathan in 48th overall and supported by Wyndham, Bethan Logan, Lucy Williamson and Emma McWilliams, who claimed victory in the women’s 40+ category.

Denbigh Harriers were well represented through Aron Evans, John, Glen, Eleanor Ashcroft, Menai Baugh, Melina Morris and Sophie Johnson, while Meirionnydd Running Club recorded strong performances from Dafydd, Ieuan, James, Helen Jones and Dave Whittey.

Elsewhere, Buckley RC celebrated a category victory as Jez Brown won the men’s 50+ title, while Wrexham AAC’s Ally Hughes finished fourth in the M40 category after another excellent run. Cybi Striders were represented by Armon and Johnhuw, while Prestatyn RC’s Gareth produced a strong run on his home roads and trails.

The combination of world-class international competition and outstanding performances from Welsh clubs once again confirmed why the Snowdon International Mountain Race remains one of the highlights of the British mountain-running calendar, with athletes from across Wales producing performances to match the spectacular backdrop of Eryri National Park.

Men’s podium

🥇 Massimiliano Berti (Italy) – 1:04:13
🥈 Tiziano Moia (Italy) – 1:05:47
🥉 Giulio Simonetti (Italy) – 1:07:14

Photography: Bill Scriven – Running In Focus