Saturday 18th May – Cader Idris Mountain Race
Report from Matt Podd
We spend a lot of time in Mid Wales, as we have a cottage there and I had known about this race for a long time. It is the areas premier fell race, from the centre of Dolgellau to the summit of Cader Idris and back. 11 miles with 3000ft of ascent. It’s a very popular race with all the places selling out in 2hrs.
So there I was on Saturday lunchtime in the square at Dolgellau lining up with 250 runners, in a party atmosphere with music and lots of spectators. It’s a big event in a small town.
Off we went, with the first mile up steep roads out of town, then a mile of trail through woods and fields to the bottom of the mountain. From here things got significantly steeper as we climbed to the summit at 893 metres. Towards the top we had to dodge the descending leaders. Touch the trig point and then the rocky descent, trying to stay upright. I managed to pass a few more nervous runners on the way down. Back through the woods and down the road to finish in the centre of town. I was 182/252 in 2hrs 22.50. Very pleased to have done this iconic race run in ideal conditions.
Mark Hopkinson of Mynnydd Ddu won in 1.23.58 and the first woman in26th place was Mel Price of Mercia Fell runners.
One thought on “Saturday 18th May – Cader Idris Mountain Race”
Interesting report from Dolgellau Matt , it is a shame that this fell race is not near our district , I would have liked to have a go at it , 11 miles with 3000ft of climbing is a hard one indeed and you to finish in 2.22 is a brilliant achievement and as well you left behind 70 all good runners , well done to Matt P. for the worthy trip to Mid Wales .