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North Wales Chronicle
21-07-2025
- Climate
- North Wales Chronicle
Eryri and Yr Wyddfa high-profile races halted mid-event
Event organisers Always Aim High Events and XTERRA made the decision to halt all trail running races at 12.25pm on Saturday, July 12, due to what they described as 'extreme' weather conditions. Races had begun as early as 6.30am and included the 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra Marathon, Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon24, and the XTERRA Trail Run World Championship. The XTERRA World Championship was being held as part of the XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri on July 11 and 12. The race is the flagship finale of the Trail Run World Series, with an inclusive trail festival in Wales' outdoor capital. Meanwhile, The Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon24 is a gruelling 24-hour endurance challenge in which participants attempt to ascend and descend Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as many times as possible within a single day. MORE NEWS: 17-foot speedboat off Bangor Pier ends up as sunken wreck 25-year-old from Caernarfon who died after fall from Malta hotel balcony named In a statement released on July 12, Llangefni-based Always Aim High Events - known for delivering some of the UK's premier triathlon, cycling, and running events, said: "We regret to inform you that today's race - including the 10K, Half Marathon, Marathon, Ultra distances, and the Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon24 event - has been stopped. "Due to extreme temperatures, it is no longer safe to continue with the event. "All runners are currently being safely escorted off the mountain by our event staff and mountain leader team. "Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all participants. Please bear with us as we focus on ensuring everyone returns safely. "Thank you for your understanding." The statement attracted mixed comments from participant. One person wrote: "Tough call to make but [the] right one in these temps I'd say." Another said: "Having been involved with MR for many years, carrying someone off the hill in the very hot conditions is a monumental task, so having an event cancelled would have taken some pressure of teams. Many of them are doing 100 plus incidents a year, and any help they can get can only help. Anyone who disagrees can always try carrying someone off the hill in this heat!" Another commented: "Yes it's a hot day but an intelligent athlete who has trained for ultra distance generally knows how to self manage and pace according to conditions. I firmly believe that the 24 hour runners should not have had their event cancelled at the point at that it was. I could have happily accepted a decision to hold athletes back for a few hours to allow the temps to come down." Another said: "Should never have started." One person taking part in the championship event voiced his anger and disappointment that the race had been cancelled due to the heat. He also outlined other dangers. The participant, from Malta, told the North Wales Chronicle: "I competed in the Xterra world Championships on Saturday. It was one of several races. All were cancelled due to extreme heat but I believe the major reason was because the organizer was not prepared and didn't have any 'plan B.' "It's a big pity to cancel a world championships with so many athletes travelling from across the world to be here. "I came from Malta. There were around 15 more athletes from Malta participating in different races by Xterra in the same day." Other racers travelled from as far as Australia, New Zealand, China and USA. Always Aim High Events told the Chronicle and its coastal titles that "the safety of all participants, volunteers and race support staff is the number one priority for the event organisers and the decision was taken following consultation with the incident management and health and safety teams." Many runners in the 10k and Half Marathon successfully completed their races before the cancellation was announced at 12.25pm. They added that all major stakeholders were "promptly" informed, and participants were supported in making a safe descent and return to the event village, where welfare checks and final confirmations were conducted. Extreme weather protocols were implemented following a review by the event's medical director the day before the race. "Detailed" safety briefings were also delivered to competitors prior to the start of the events. Matt Newman, Chief Executive of Always Aim High Events, said: "We would like to thank all participants and our incredible event support team for their patience, resilience, and understanding. Having delivered this race in Llanberis for the past ten years, we are deeply saddened to have had to halt the event. "The safety of our participants has always been our top priority, and we made the decision to halt the races to ensure everyone was brought down from the mountain safely." The course has since been thoroughly swept by the mountain safety team.
Wales Online
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Ultra runners 'escorted' off Yr Wyddfa as five races abandoned in searing heat
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Long-distance running challenges on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) have been abandoned in today's searing heat (Saturday, July 12). Competitors are being helped off Wales' highest mountain after temperatures hit the high 20s. Five events were stopped, including marathon and ultra distances. Also abandoned was the BlackYr Wyddfa/Snowdon24 event, in which competitors are challenged to run up and down the mountain as many times as possible in 24 hours. It's billed as the 'ultimate ultra trail endurance race'. In a social media statement, organiser Always Aim High Events (AAHE) said: 'Due to extreme temperatures, it is no longer safe to continue with the event. All runners are currently being safely escorted off the mountain by our event staff and mountain leader team. 'Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all participants. Please bear with us as we focus on ensuring everyone returns safely. Thank you for your understanding.' Although temperatures at the summit were a forecasted 22C-23C, the event's base in Llanberis was expected to reach at least 28C. Humidity levels are also relatively high, with little wind. An Anglesey woman, who marshalled the events on the Snowdon Ranger Path where it meets the Maesgwyn Path, said conditions were tough. 'I really struggled in the heat and I was only directing them,' she said. 'Never so glad to get of a mountain when I stepped down. Good call, disappointing for the runners but safety comes first.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Another marshall said it was 'already incredibly hot' at 7am near the mountain railway line. In view of the conditions, one competitor said he had stepped down from the marathon to the half-marathon to be on the safe side. The decision was widely applauded, though eyebrows were raised. 'The weather has been forecast in advance,' said one woman on social media. 'So why not have just re-scheduled rather than let people start?' Online, a competitor said the races 'should never have started!' Another suggested the cautious approach was the right one. 'Better that everyone is safe and well,' she said. 'Massive well down to the organisers and volunteers to get everyone safely back to Llanberis. There's always next year!' But an ultra runner in the Black Diamond 24-hour event felt he should have been able to make his own decision. Alternatively, the race could have been held for a few hours to allow conditions to cool, he said. Writing online, he said: 'Yes it's a hot day but an intelligent athlete who has trained for ultra distance generally knows how to self manage and pace according to conditions. 'The line I've been given is that mountain rescue were overwhelmed but I doubt very much that the ultra runners were amongst the casualties. I for one am incredibly disappointed, I have been prepping and planning for this event and feel I could/should have been trusted to manage the conditions.' Other races scheduled for today included a 10K, Half Marathon and a "kids race". The first event began at 6.30am, the last at 10am. AAHE announced its decision online at 1.35pm. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find the weather forecast where you live
North Wales Live
12-07-2025
- Climate
- North Wales Live
Ultra runners 'escorted' off Yr Wyddfa as five races abandoned in searing heat
Long-distance running challenges on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) have been abandoned in today's searing heat (Saturday, July 12). Competitors are being helped off Wales' highest mountain after temperatures hit the high 20s. Five events were stopped, including marathon and ultra distances. Also abandoned was the BlackYr Wyddfa/Snowdon24 event, in which competitors are challenged to run up and down the mountain as many times as possible in 24 hours. It's billed as the 'ultimate ultra trail endurance race'. In a social media statement, organiser Always Aim High Events (AAHE) said: 'Due to extreme temperatures, it is no longer safe to continue with the event. All runners are currently being safely escorted off the mountain by our event staff and mountain leader team. 'Our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of all participants. Please bear with us as we focus on ensuring everyone returns safely. Thank you for your understanding.' Although temperatures at the summit were a forecasted 22C-23C, the event's base in Llanberis was expected to reach at least 28C. Humidity levels are also relatively high, with little wind. An Anglesey woman, who marshalled the events on the Snowdon Ranger Path where it meets the Maesgwyn Path, said conditions were tough. 'I really struggled in the heat and I was only directing them,' she said. 'Never so glad to get of a mountain when I stepped down. Good call, disappointing for the runners but safety comes first.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Another marshall said it was 'already incredibly hot' at 7am near the mountain railway line. In view of the conditions, one competitor said he had stepped down from the marathon to the half-marathon to be on the safe side. The decision was widely applauded, though eyebrows were raised. 'The weather has been forecast in advance,' said one woman on social media. 'So why not have just re-scheduled rather than let people start?' Online, a competitor said the races 'should never have started!' Another suggested the cautious approach was the right one. 'Better that everyone is safe and well,' she said. 'Massive well down to the organisers and volunteers to get everyone safely back to Llanberis. There's always next year!' But an ultra runner in the Black Diamond 24-hour event felt he should have been able to make his own decision. Alternatively, the race could have been held for a few hours to allow conditions to cool, he said. Writing online, he said: 'Yes it's a hot day but an intelligent athlete who has trained for ultra distance generally knows how to self manage and pace according to conditions. 'The line I've been given is that mountain rescue were overwhelmed but I doubt very much that the ultra runners were amongst the casualties. I for one am incredibly disappointed, I have been prepping and planning for this event and feel I could/should have been trusted to manage the conditions.' Other races scheduled for today included a 10K, Half Marathon and a "kids race". The first event began at 6.30am, the last at 10am. AAHE announced its decision online at 1.35pm.
Wales Online
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Full list of roads to close in Cardiff this weekend for huge sports event
Full list of roads to close in Cardiff this weekend for huge sports event There's an early start for the Cardiff Bay Triathlon which takes place on Sunday, June 22 Triathletes enjoy a scenic Cardiff Bay backdrop (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) The Cardiff Bay Triathlon returns to the city for 2025 on Sunday, June 22. Organised by Always Aim High Events, the event features a variety of race distances, including super-sprint, sprint, standard, and legend (middle distance), all based around Cardiff Bay. As with previous years, the triathlon will require several road closures across the area to ensure the safe running of the events. Residents, businesses, and visitors are advised to review the scheduled restrictions and plan their movements ahead of the day. There was a great atmosphere at the 2024 event, where thousands of people turned up to support those taking part. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here It started with a 1500m swim in the freshwater of Cardiff Bay, with security teams in boats to ensure swimmers' safety. The standard route then saw participants leave the water for three 13km laps of a flat cycle route on entirely closed roads, starting near the Wales Millennium Centre and taking in sights such as the Cardiff International Sports Village. Cyclists finished at the Oval Basin, where they stored their bikes before two laps of a run that took in the Norwegian church and the Barrage. After running 9km, exhausted but joyous triathletes crossed the finish line near the Millennium Centre. Article continues below The scheduled road closures for Sunday, June 22 are: Between 5.15am and 10.30am International Drive from the junction with Olympian Drive Olympian Drive, Watkiss Way, and Dunleavy Drive (from Watkiss Way to Dunleavy Drive Retail Park) Between 5.15am and 1.30pm East Tyndall Street, from Schooner Way to Herbert Street and Lloyd George Avenue Lloyd George Avenue, between Herbert Street and Bute Place (access to properties maintained by Road Closure Stewards) Bute Place, between Lloyd George Avenue and Pierhead Street James Street, Clarence Road, Avondale Road, and Ferry Road up to Clive Street Cyclists at the Oval Basin (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) Event and closure timeline Setup activities will begin on Saturday, June 21. However, no road closures are scheduled for that day. Full closures begin early on Sunday morning to accommodate race start times and ensure the safety of participants and stewards. Those spectating the triathlon are welcome to join, with the best place to watch the event being in Cardiff Bay. You will be able to see the swim, the transition area, the bike route, as well as the run and finish area. Drivers who will be affected on June 22 by the road closures are advised to follow the guidance provided by event stewards and communications issued in advance. Article continues below Travellers through the area are encouraged to plan alternative routes where possible. Stewards will be present to assist with directions and manage access. Get Cardiff news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions, and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
Wales Online
21-04-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Eryri business behind iconic endurance events has been bought
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A major events business in North Wales has been bought. Run 4 Wales Ltd (R4W) announced it has acquired Always Aim High Events Ltd in a move that sees the mass-participation event organisers join forces across Wales. Always Aim High, based in Llanberis, was established in 2011 and includes a portfolio of well-established races, including the iconic Slateman, Snowman and Sandman triathlons and the Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri. R4W is a not-for-profit social enterprise and charitable foundation set up to promote, manage and deliver major sporting events. Established in 2012, it has grown into one of the UK's best-known mass participation event organisers. Its portfolio includes the Cardiff Half Marathon and Newport Marathon Festival, with surpluses invested into grassroots sport and community projects through the Run 4 Wales Charitable Foundation. Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: 'We're so proud to welcome Always Aim High Events into the Run 4 Wales family, which will see us expand our reach right across the country, delivering Wales's most iconic mass participation events from bases in Cardiff and now from the new Always Aim High Events office in Llanberis. 'Always Aim High Events have built a fantastic reputation for delivering high-quality events and the team has worked hard to make sure that participants are always at the forefront of event delivery, while also ensuring local businesses and communities are supported. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to integrate, share our knowledge across the sector and create a lasting impact right across Wales.' Nigel Kendrick, Co-Founder of Always Aim High Events, which has so far donated more than £250,000 to local charities and groups as a direct result of the event in their local area, said: 'This is an exciting opportunity for Always Aim High Events and the team here in Llanberis. It marks a major milestone for the business, giving it the platform to grow and thrive long into the future. This next chapter will also deliver a significant economic boost to the events sector here in North Wales. 'I am incredibly proud of everything Always Aim High Events has achieved over the past 15 years — from driving major economic benefits for Wales through our events to setting the standard for sustainable and responsible event management and extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone that has been part of our journey. I am excited to see the company continue to flourish under its new investors, Run 4 Wales." Tim Lloyd, Co-Founder of Always Aim High Events, added: 'Always Aim High Events has been my passion for well over 15 years — a passion project that grew into a thriving business, and I've enjoyed every minute of the journey. From the beginning, it's been all about community, working alongside incredible people to bring world-class events to the stunning landscapes of North Wales. I'm delighted to continue supporting the business into the future. I'm genuinely excited to see Always Aim High Events flourish under Run 4 Wales — it's a fantastic opportunity for the team, and I look forward to watching them go from strength to strength.' The organsiations have worked alongside each other for a number of years as part of MSO Cymru, a group of mass participation sporting event organisations that collaborate on best practice within the industry. However, this new partnership will allow for even greater collaboration to help enhance event delivery and participant experience. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community See what's happening in your area:
