Ras yr Wyddfa is one of Wales’ most iconic mountain races, bringing hundreds of runners to Llanberis every July. At The Royal Victoria Hotel, we’re proud to experience the excitement from our unique location at the foot of Yr Wyddfa, where the race begins and ends near the hotel.
How Ras yr Wyddfa Became a Llanberis Tradition
The 2026 event marked the 49th running of Ras yrWyddfa, a race that has become an important part of Llanberis’ sportingcalendar since it was first established in 1976.
The original idea came from Llanberis local Ken Jones, who suggested the event to the village’s Carnival Committee. From those early conversations, the race quickly developed into a demanding mountain challenge that celebrated both athletic endurance and the dramatic landscape surrounding Yr Wyddfa.
In its first year, 86 runners took part. Since then, the event has grown considerably, with more than 500 competitors now joining the race. What began as a small, local idea has developed into a much-loved annual event, bringing runners, supporters and spectators together in Llanberis to experience one of Wales’ most distinctive mountain races.
Ras yr Wyddfa 2026 Race-Day Highlights
The Royal Victoria Hotel once again played a central role in Ras yr Wyddfa, with both the start and finish of the race taking place close to the hotel.
From the opening moments, runners gathered at the foot of Yr Wyddfa ready to take on the demanding mountain route. The start line brought a real sense of anticipation as competitors prepared for the climb ahead, supported by friends, family and spectators.
As the race progressed, attention turned to thefinish, where supporters waited to welcome runners back after completing thechallenge. Each arrival brought its own sense of achievement, with competitorscrossing the line after testing themselves against one of Wales’ mostrecognisable mountain landscapes.
Having the race begin and end near our grounds made The Royal Victoria Hotel an important part of the day, providing a memorable setting for both theexcitement before the race and the celebrations at the finish.
Ras yr Wyddfa 2026
Proud to Support Ras yr Wyddfa 2026
The Royal Victoria Hotel was honoured to be the headline sponsor of Ras yr Wyddfa 2026, supporting an event that has been part of Llanberis' identity for almost 50 years. As a hotel that has stood at the foot of Yr Wyddfa for more than a century, we're proud to play our part in celebrating the people, traditions and community that make this area so special.
For us, sponsoring the race is about more than having our name alongside the event. It's about supporting an occasion that brings together local residents, volunteers, businesses, runners and visitors from across the world, all united by a shared appreciation for this remarkable landscape.
Ann Owen, General Manager at The Royal Victoria Hotel, said:
“We are delighted to be the headline sponsor of Ras yr Wyddfa in 2026, marking another exciting chapter in a long-standing relationship between the race and the hotel. Since the race’s inception in 1976, the hotel has shared a close connection with this iconic mountain event, and we are proud to be strengthening that partnership in the year ahead.”
Supporting Ras yr Wyddfa reflects our ongoing commitment to Llanberis and the wider Eryri community. Seeing competitors cross the finish line, surrounded by family, friends and supporters near the hotel, is a reminder of why this race continues to hold such a special place in the hearts of so many.
A Connection to the Race Spanning Generations
The Royal Victoria Hotel’s connection with Ras yr Wyddfa stretches back to the very beginning of the race in 1976. Over the years, many current and former members of the hotel team have played a part in supporting the event and helping to keep its spirit alive in Llanberis.
Our current General Manager, Ann Owen, has been closely involved in the 2026 race, continuing a relationship between the hotel and the event that has now lasted for almost 50 years.
We also recently spoke with Guto Parry, who was General Manager of The Royal Victoria Hotel when the first race took place in 1976. Hearing his memories of those early years offered a special reminder of how deeply the hotel is woven into the history of Ras yr Wyddfa.
From Guto’s involvement at the beginning to Ann’s support today, the connection between the hotel and the race has continued across generations. It is a relationship that everyone at The Royal Victoria Hotel is extremely proud to carry forward.
From Guto’s involvement at the beginning to Ann’s support today, the connection between the hotel and the race has continued across generations. It is a relationship that everyone at The Royal Victoria Hotel is extremely proud to carry forward.
Race-Day Excitement at The Royal Victoria Hotel
Like we always say, there's a feeling you get in Eryri that can't quite be put into words. You simply have to experience it, and race day captured that feeling perfectly.
From early morning, The Royal Victoria Hotel was filled with anticipation as runners, supporters and spectators gathered ahead of the start. Every corner of the hotel reflected the excitement surrounding one of Llanberis' biggest annual events.
Our team were proud to welcome visitors with the warm Welsh hospitality we're known for, whether they were fuelling up before the climb, cheering competitors across the finish line or celebrating a remarkable achievement afterwards. It was wonderful to see so many people coming together to share in the spirit of the race.
As the race starts and finishes near our hotel, we're proud to be at the heart of an event that has brought the Llanberis community together for almost 50 years.
What makes Ras yr Wyddfa So Challenging?
Ras yr Wyddfa is a true test of strength, stamina and determination. Starting near the edge of Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, the route takes runners towards the 1,085-metre summit of Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales.
Competitors face around 1,000 metres of ascent as they climb through steep and demanding mountain terrain. Reaching the summit is only half the challenge, as runners must then tackle the fast, technical descent back towards Llanberis.
Changing weather, uneven ground and the physical demands of the route make Ras yr Wyddfa unlike most road races. It requires careful preparation, confidence on the mountain and the resilience to keep going when the course becomes toughest.
That combination of dramatic scenery and demanding terrain is what makes the race so distinctive, and why crossing the finish line near The Royal Victoria Hotel is such a remarkable achievement.
Ras yr Wyddfa 2026 Winners
Huge congratulations to everyone who took part in Ras yr Wyddfa 2026. Every runner showed incredible determination as they tackled the demanding climb and descent of Yr Wyddfa, creating an unforgettable spectacle for everyone watching.
From the anticipation at the start line to the celebrations at the finish, the atmosphere throughout the day reflected the true spirit of the race. Spectators, friends and family lined the route to cheer on the competitors, recognising the strength, endurance and commitment needed to complete one of Wales’ most iconic mountain challenges.
Congratulations to the top runners of this year’s race!
| Place Finished | Men’s Top 3 | Women’s Top 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Massimiliano Berti Italy · 1:04:12 | Emily McNicol Scotland · 1:16:55 |
| 2nd | Tiziano Moia Italy · 1:05:46 | Hannah Russell England · 1:17:37 |
| 3rd | Giulio Simonetti Italy · 1:07:14 | Luna Giovanetti Italy · 1:18:17 |
Well done to every competitor who took on the challenge and contributed to another memorable day in Llanberis. Your effort, courage and enthusiasm helped make Ras yr Wyddfa 2026 such a special occasion.
Planning Ahead for Ras yr Wyddfa 2027
If you want to get involved, there’s always next year! Entries for the 2027 race open on 1stMarch. You can find out more on the Ras yr Wyddfa page.
Why not start planning in advance? You can book your stay at The Royal Victoria Hotel now, ready for next year’s race. Whether you want to take in the atmosphere and cheer on the runners, or need somewhere to rest your legs after completing the challenge, The Royal Victoria Hotel is ideally placed.
Ras yr Wyddfa: Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Ras yr Wyddfa take place?
The Ras yr Wyddfa takes place in Llanberis, in the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales. The start and finish lines are located close to The Royal Victoria Hotel in Llanberis.
How long is the Ras yr Wyddfa race?
Ras yr Wyddfa takes runners from Llanberis towards the 1,085-metre summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) before returning to the village. Competitors face approximately 1,000 metres of ascent, followed by a challenging mountain descent.
Where is the best place to stay for Ras yr Wyddfa?
The Royal Victoria Hotel is ideally located for runners and spectators because the race starts and finishes near the hotel grounds. Guests can stay at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), close to the race-day atmosphere, with comfortable accommodation, food and refreshments available at the hotel.
Is The Royal Victoria Hotel involved in Ras yr Wyddfa?
Yes. The Royal Victoria Hotel was the headline sponsor of Ras yr Wyddfa in 2026 and has shared a close connection with the event since the race began in 1976. Current and former members of the hotel team have also been involved in supporting the race over the years.
Can I book accommodation for Ras yr Wyddfa 2027?
Yes. Visitors can book a stay directly with The Royal Victoria Hotel ahead of the 2027 race. Booking early is recommended for runners, supporters and spectators who want to stay close to the start and finish lines.
When do entries open for Ras yr Wyddfa?
Entries for the 2027 race open on 1 March 2027. Visit the official Ras yr Wyddfa website for the latest information and entry requirements.