Marathon Eryri 2016

-Welcome to Llanberis

-in the shadow of Snowdon...

-..for one the most prominent races

-on the Welsh calendar...

-..and one of the world's

-most iconic marathons.

-Over 2,500 are taking part

-and any minute now...

-..the first athlete will be

-crossing the finish line...

-..to claim a title so well respected

-by runners of this distance...

-..winner of the 2016

-Brooks Snowdonia Marathon.

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-Winning the Snowdonia Marathon...

-..is something many athletes aim to

-do at least once in their careers.

-That is why so many of them

-come back every year...

-..because, believe it or not,

-since the first race in 1982...

-..only 20 men and 20 women

-have claimed the title.

-It's the 34th running

-of a race that has been called...

-..the most beautiful and toughest

-marathon in Britain, if not Europe.

-That is no surprise

-when you consider...

-..the area where the runners

-will run through today.

-The first five miles take

-the runners up Llanberis Pass.

-It's a tough climb that can break

-the spirit of any athlete.

-Then there's a sharp turn

-at Pen-Y-Gwryd...

-..which leads the

-thousands down to Nant Gwynant...

-..past the Gwynant lakes,

-Dinas and on to Beddgelert...

-..before turning for home

-through Rhyd Ddu...

-..past Llyn Cwellyn and Betws Garmon

-to Waunfawr.

-The runners come off

-the road for the final four miles...

-..come through Bwlch-y-Groes

-and back to Llanberis.

-If you think the route

-is a challenge...

-..wait until you see

-the hill profile of the race.

-Starting from a position

-of 122 metres above sea level...

-..the course climbs to 360 metres

-at Pen-y-Pass.

-Back down to 45 metres

-in Beddgelert...

-..before climbing up to 147 metres

-in Waunfawr.

-They then climb up to the highest

-point on the course...

-..Bwlch-y-Groes at 376 metres.

-It's a total climb of 838 metres

-for every runner.

-Joining me is one of the race

-organizers, Matt Ward...

-..who is also part

-of our commentary team.

-Matt, it's the hill profile

-of the race...

-..that makes this

-such a tough marathon.

-The scenery is one thing

-in this marathon...

-.but the hill profile

-is incredible.

-Let's take a look at the men's race.

-John Gilbert, who won it last year,

-isn't here.

-Russell Bentley has taken his place.

-Yes, he's one of his mates.

-Russell Bentley

-has a really good chance.

-What you need for this race...

-..is a mixture of strength,

-technique and, of course, speed.

-I think Russell Bentley

-has all three qualities.

-Matthew Roberts is going to wait

-until the very final minute...

-..to decide whether

-he's going to race.

-Tracy McCartney, last year's women's

-champion, is here...

-..as is local runner,

-Andrea Rowlands.

-I won't be surprised

-if the women's race is very close.

-Tracy McCartney is here...

-..but I think one of the strong

-favourites is Joanne Nelson.

-She was second last year and

-she's been running well this year.

-Andrea Rowlands has run this race

-many times, so she's experienced.

-Andrea certainly

-has the right pedigree.

-Angharad Mair also has a chance.

-Matt, thank you. You will be joining

-Nic Parry in the commentary box.

-Let's first hear

-from some of the those...

-..putting themselves

-through the mill today...

-..and the obvious question

-is "Why?".

-I'm running this marathon because

-it's the best marathon in the world.

-Five years ago,

-I said "Never again".

-After a couple of pints

-on New Year's Eve...

-..I decided it would be my challenge

-this year and here I am today.

-I'm very nervous because I'm running

-the race for the first time.

-I come from Cardiff...

-..and thought I'd come up

-to run the Snowdonia Marathon.

-I come from Harlech originally

-and I've come home to run.

-It's such a famous, tough race,

-and it's on my doorstep.

-I really just wanted

-to experience it.

-I've come here from Tredegar today

-to run the marathon - my first.

-I'm from Milton Larder running

-club, Weston Super Mare.

-I'm running Snowdonia

-for the third time...

-..in memory of Mary Collard

-and the Bone Cancer Research Trust.

-I watched the London Marathon

-and thought I'd try to run it.

-I'm looking forward.

-I've heard a lot about the run in.

-I'm really looking forward to it but

-with a bit of dread.

-For Shane Williams, like everyone

-else, the aim is to finish the race.

-But one or two are perhaps quietly

-expecting...

-..to emulate Tracy McCartney

-and John Gilbert's feats.

-Russell, you live locally,

-but you're from Kent originally.

-Yes, I am.

-Yes, I am.

-

-Like John Gilbert who won last year.

-You're taking his place,

-we understand.

-Yes, he has just had a little boy,

-so I'd love to say hi to Anton.

-He has had a few injuries, so

-he thought he'd pass me his number.

-Hopefully, I can do as well as him!

-As it's your first Snowdon marathon,

-are you looking forward to it?

-It's so hilly, it's hard to know how

-to play it. I'm not wearing a watch.

-It's a very difficult ending

-to this race.

-I know. I've been deliberating

-over footwear for weeks now!

-It's 24 miles of road

-and then two miles of trails...

-..so I've had to go

-with the road shoes.

-Hopefully, it's not too wet, but

-we did get a bit of rain last night.

-Russell, we wish you all the best.

-Russell, we wish you all the best.

-

-Thank you very much, Gareth. Cheers!

-Matthew Roberts, is there

-a reason why you're on a bike?

-I've been down to the headquarters

-to have some treatment on my leg.

-I've hurt my shin of my leg.

-As things stand at the moment, you

-haven't decided whether you'll run.

-No. I'll see how I feel.

-As regards the race itself,

-if you don't run...

-..which runners

-would you keep an eye on?

-Russell Bentley runs for Eryri

-Harriers and he lives in Beddgelert.

-Russell will be going for the win,

-I'm sure.

-Callum Rowlinson, who runs

-for Sale Harriers, is really good.

-Matthew, if you run,

-we wish you the best of luck.

-Tracy, welcome back to Llanberis.

-Looking forward to the marathon?

-Very much so. It's a beautiful day.

-It's lovely not to have the rain.

-I'm going to try to enjoy this year

-and try and get round.

-Do what I did last year really.

-What do you remember of last year?

-Lots of rain.

-Miles 22 and 23 were the hardest.

-Keeping on my feet

-on the way back down...

-..was also one

-of the hardest parts.

-Do you intend to do anything

-differently this year?

-I'm looking for a steady pace

-and not set off too quick.

-I intend to enjoy it and try to

-shave off some time from last year.

-You finished third last year...

-..but you didn't think

-you were at peak fitness then.

-How do you feel this year?

-I feel okay this year.

-I want to enjoy the race this year.

-I love the Snowdonia Marathon.

-How has your season gone?

-I've done a few marathons

-this season...

-..including

-the Snowdonia Trail Marathon.

-I want to enjoy the race

-and finish it, hopefully.

-26.2 miles along pathways

-with some of the finest views...

-..Snowdon has to offer.

-Two and a half hours from now,

-the only comforting view...

-..that will interest these runners

-is the finishing line.

-Let's join our commentary team

-of Matt Ward and Nic Parry.

-Thank you, Gareth.

-There are more runners behind that

-line than residents of Llanberis.

-They are all waiting

-for the hooter to be sounded...

-..by the Wales and Lions rugby star,

-Shane Williams.

-The magical,

-mysterious colours of autumn...

-..are mirrored by the vests

-sported by these runners.

-I'm joined by Matt Ward, one of

-the organisers of this iconic race.

-What do you make

-of these conditions?

-Perfect conditions

-for running marathons.

-The wind blew itself out overnight

-and it's still and dry.

-It'll take between

-twelve and fifteen minutes...

-..for all 2,200 or so of these

-runners to cross that start line.

-Straight into the lead

-in the black and white strip...

-..is the man they're all

-talking about, Russell Bentley.

-All eyes will be on him

-and his rivals know...

-..that winning the race

-will entail finishing ahead of him.

-Some are running for fun...

-..but there are others who take

-the whole race very seriously.

-They are all setting their watches.

-Everyone has a personal target

-to attain.

-The bells are ringing and the

-atmosphere is as thrilling today...

-..as it has been for every previous

-running of this race.

-We've seen plenty of drama

-in the past and you can watch...

-..the unfolding drama of this race

-when we return after the break.

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-Welcome back to

-the 2016 Brooks Snowdonia Marathon.

-The race has started and the runners

-are on their way to Nant Peris.

-Let's join our commentators

-Matt Ward and Nic Parry.

-Thanks, Gareth. Here's a picture

-of the enormity of this event.

-It's a day to remember

-for thousands of runners.

-I can't remember a race with so

-many fans lined up along the course.

-They're watching Russell Bentley,

-Paul Graham and Phil Eccleston.

-They are the early leaders.

-I wonder how much waving we'll

-see in the 26th mile of running.

-The easy bit at the start

-is now behind them.

-Now the challenge ahead

-starts to hit home.

-As they climb the Nant.

-The runners face their first climb.

-A 700ft climb

-in less that five miles.

-From Pen-y-Pass there's a steep drop

-all the way to Pen-y-Gwryd.

-This rapid ascent and descent

-is brutal on the legs.

-Shane Williams will feel right at

-home to the echo of ogi, ogi, ogi.

-Will we get a performance to match

-the brilliance of that strip?

-Is this the day for a record time?

-Russell Bentley is going for it.

-There's no-one ahead of him.

-You can see the road

-starting to ascend just there.

-There's Iorwerth Roberts

-in the green strip.

-He's run every one of the

-33 races held on this course.

-He's an amazingly sprightly

-73-year-old.

-This is Paul Graham from Pontypridd.

-I think Matthew Roberts

-will catch him in a minute.

-Matthew was worried

-about an injury before the race.

-There's tape on his leg.

-What are the effects

-of shin splints?

-He'll have pain in his legs

-from his knees down to his feet.

-That will be a stabbing pain

-on every climb.

-After three miles

-he's not really suffering at all.

-He seems to have time for a glance

-at the familiar scenes around him.

-Russell Bentley is leading the men

-and looking comfortably strong.

-Tracy McCartney, leading the women.

-She's with Gary English

-who warned her last year...

-..when she was running

-her first marathon...

-..that mile 23 would be a problem.

-She discovered he was right too.

-Russell Bentley is passing

-the bridge at Cromlech.

-He's aiming for Pen-y-Pass.

-The 5K time is 19 minutes...

-..which is very comfortable

-for a runner of his stature.

-A minute slower than John Gilbert

-last year.

-We'll keep an eye on that comparison

-as the next two reach the bridge.

-Matthew Roberts looks up

-in his red Czech Republic shirt.

-There must be a story

-behind that shirt.

-Amongst the cluster of men

-is Carla Molinaro...

-..running for the

-first time at this venue.

-She's second in

-the women's race right now.

-There's a clear sign

-of the leaders' positions for you.

-One is just reaching Cromlech while

-the other closes in on Pen-y-Pass.

-Bentley has a wall of fog to

-run through up there. Some drizzle.

-Joanne Nelson is over Cromlech now.

-Behind her is Andrea Rowlands

-as the women's race takes shape.

-Rowlands is currently fourth.

-She finished third last year.

-She won in 2014.

-The women's race looks quite close.

-He's gone the wrong way.

-There's an example of the challenges

-of this Snowdon race.

-In Wales' Year of Adventure

-these runners are living the dream.

-Matthew Roberts is there as

-Paul Graham stops for a moment.

-Further back there's

-a gang of three running together.

-Daniel Jones and Callum Rowlinson

-are two of them.

-They are all chasing the man who

-has led since the hooter sounded.

-Graham seems to be blowing quite

-hard behind Rowlinson and Jones.

-Daniel Jones has his own peculiar

-running style there.

-Tracy McCartney

-is leading the women's race.

-She's running with

-her usual partner.

-She enjoyed herself last year

-and couldn't wait to return.

-There is Shane Williams running with

-his brother, David Dean Williams.

-Here is the first man to Pen-y-Pass.

-What do you make of the time?

-28 minutes 33 seconds.

-That's an improvement

-on the 5K time.

-He was a minute behind

-last year's winner at the 5K mark.

-The gap is now down to 30 seconds

-on Gilbert's time last year.

-In the mist, Matthew Roberts

-is checking his watch.

-He looks in good order,

-injured or not.

-Running downhill is much easier

-with that injury.

-Pen-y-Pass is that location.

-Look at that group of runners

-thundering down towards Beddgelert.

-Tracy McCartney

-leads the women's race...

-..and she's left Gary English

-behind to chase after Superman.

-Bentley is experiencing

-this new challenge...

-..in his first Snowdonia Marathon.

-Downhill they will go...

-..and it's a different pressure

-on the muscles and legs.

-One's going up

-and leading the women's race.

-One's going down,

-second in the men's race.

-He was looking at his leg.

-He was looking at his leg.

-

-Matthew was looking at his leg.

-The time is 32 minutes, 47 seconds.

-Tracy McCartney is quicker today.

-That's ten seconds quicker than

-she was at this point last year.

-So at this moment,

-with much better conditions...

-..things are going well

-for the leaders...

-..with their eyes, perhaps,

-on a record.

-If there's one man who's going to

-be able to challenge one record...

-..it's this man.

-Look how smooth

-Russell Bentley runs down that hill.

-Carla Molinaro

-is second at the moment...

-..having a little drink

-and she has a smile on her face.

-This is Huw Williams.

-He's preparing to run the

-Des Sables Marathon in the Sahara.

-He'll be carrying 10 kilograms

-on his back.

-That is an addition

-to the challenge!

-The man at the front

-of the men's race...

-..arrives at the Pen-Y-Gwryd Hotel.

-Look at the terrific support.

-Look at the terrific support.

-

-It's great, isn't it.

-The runners are preparing

-for the second stage of the race.

-In Pen-Y-Gwryd

-the path joins a harsh track...

-..which is uneven underfoot,

-but at least it's downhill.

-With Beddgelert, and halfway within

-sight, the temptation is to speed...

-..so caution is advised

-in the second part of the race.

-The first man to leave the road

-and through Cwm Dyli Gate...

-..and onto the uneven ground

-is Russell Bentley.

-Give us the time, please, Matt.

-Give us the time, please, Matt.

-

-34 minutes and 34 seconds.

-Russell Bentley has run 31 minutes

-on the road this year...

-..so that's good for him.

-In spite of all the predictions

-at the moment...

-..Matt still looks strong.

-He's got balance

-and he's on such familiar ground.

-And this group have stayed

-with each other so tightly...

-..behind the two which are in front.

-Paul Graham, Daniel Jones

-and Callum Rowlinson.

-Tracy McCartney and look,

-here's Carla Molinaro.

-They're next to each other

-and they're having a conversation...

-..but the positions are changing.

-Carla Molinaro is suddenly leading

-the women's race.

-It's obvious

-that Carla has a temptation to go...

-..to run free, as this race says.

-The sound of the crowd must help.

-It's deafening at one of the

-most popular places in the course.

-Every time I see Iorwerth Roberts...

-..he's getting closer and closer

-to his aim.

-I'm sure the people here

-realise the size of his achievement.

-They've planned those socks!

-Yes. Very colourful!

-The fog above the Llanberis Pass.

-Look at Matt Roberts

-in the background.

-He's getting nearer to Bentley.

-Is he injured, or I wonder

-was that a psychological game?

-Matthew Roberts

-is a mountain runner...

-..so he's on the ground

-he finds most comfortable.

-Bentley

-has judged his pace perfectly.

-For Matthew Roberts, I'd think that

-the injury will be hurting a bit.

-Matthew still looks good.

-These three are together.

-Yes, Daniel Jones in the blue,

-a runner with Bath Club.

-Let's have a look

-at Andrea Rowlands.

-She's coming through Cwm Dyli Gate

-and is third in the women's race.

-Molinaro's at the front, McCartney's

-second, Andrea Rowlands is third.

-It was predicted that it would

-be a good women's race.

-Iwan Edgar has had

-a new technical watch.

-He's looking at it, but I'm not

-sure whether he understands it!

-He is one of the experienced

-runners over fifty in this race...

-..and Clark Kent has forgotten

-to take off his glasses in the fog.

-And amongst them, Carla Molinaro

-still leads the women's race.

-We'll look to see

-where Tracy McCartney is.

-She's in the background.

-It's an excellent women's race.

-An interesting fact there.

-The mountain bike is tracking

-the leader of the women's race.

-Here's Tracy McCartney in purple.

-Where is Andrea Rowlands,

-I wonder?

-In third place.

-The three have been together since

-Cwm Dyli Gate, they're so close.

-Here she comes.

-Just behind her

-in the yellow vest is Joanne Nelson.

-It's terribly close

-in the women's race.

-And hundreds are still climbing.

-Shane Williams has been doing

-what a man has to do...

-..he's back on the road

-as he reaches Beddgelert.

-01:13.34 on the clock.

-Russell Bentley is in front

-as the runners arrive at Beddgelert.

-He looks strong and comfortable...

-..but how will he get on

-in the second half of the race?

-You can see that after the break.

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-Welcome back to the 2016

-Brooks Snowdonia Marathon.

-Russell Bentley is the first

-to put Beddgelert behind him.

-Two men have been following him

-for quite some time.

-Math Roberts, in second place...

-..has opened up a bit of a gap to

-the man behind him, Daniel Jones.

-Everyone, including Daniel Jones,

-has noticed Math Roberts' leg.

-He has been watching those in front

-of him, ready to strike.

-Gareth Roberts is waiting.

-The front runners have gone by...

-..and the two-legged traffic

-is getting busier.

-With so many people here cheering...

-..there's a danger the runners will

-think that Beddgelert is half way.

-There's another mile to go to

-half way, and psychologically...

-..the second half of the race

-can feel longer than the first.

-The next part of the race

-in unforgiving.

-The way up to Rhyd Ddu

-and Waunfawr...

-..climbs uncompromisingly

-for almost ten miles.

-Despite the glorious scenery...

-..this is where the Snowdonia

-Marathon starts showing its teeth.

-Daniel Jones is getting ever nearer

-and Matthew Roberts is wincing.

-Yes, Matthew is really

-blowing those cheeks.

-As he looks over his shoulder,

-who does he see but Daniel Jones.

-His look was saying

-"What are you doing passing me?"

-Daniel Jones has spotted his chance.

-Maybe we're seeing Roberts weakening

-for the first time in this race.

-Daniel Jones has moved into

-second place in the men's race...

-..as the leader of the women's race,

-Carla Molinaro, enters Beddgelert.

-She is smiling as she runs

-with a couple of the local men.

-Michael Coralles is a Spaniard

-who's moved into the area.

-Matthew Roberts' cap has been

-turned around and his tongue is out.

-He is obviously suffering

-and that's a great pity.

-The injury has taken its toll...

-..but he's quickened up

-and passed Daniel once again.

-He is so determined.

-It will be a good man who beats

-Matthew Roberts in this race.

-You wonder whether this is as tough

-as it's been for him in this race.

-Here is the first of the Eryri

-Harriers to enter Beddgelert.

-Dewi Owen is running

-his fourth marathon.

-Tracy McCartney is just behind him,

-smiling and looking good...

-..before she begins to climb.

-Here is Joanne Nelson.

-Joanne Nelson has passed Andrea

-Rowlands and into third place.

-Yes, she's in great shape

-for this race, Nic.

-She won the Robin Hood Marathon

-in Nottingham a month or so ago.

-Russell Bentley approaches Rhyd Ddu

-near Llyn y Gader.

-T H Parry Williams wrote "The happy

-traveller will hardly notice it...

-"..as he gazes over

-the shallow waters".

-This man is a runner,

-not a traveller.

-Math is still putting up a fight

-for second place.

-Daniel Jones looks over the

-shoulder of Matthew Roberts.

-Roberts knows this area so well.

-He has run this race so many times

-but is obviously suffering.

-This is one of the twelve

-watering stations.

-There are over 20,000

-cups of water available.

-Russell Bentley takes one, and fair

-play, he puts it in the bin...

-..just as John Gilbert did

-last year.

-It is worth listening

-to the silence.

-Four feet pounding the tarmac.

-One of them looks more comfortable

-than the other.

-Is Math Roberts' marathon

-coming to an end?

-He has definitely slowed down.

-Go on, Matthew, go on, lad.

-Go on, Matthew, go on, lad.

-

-Finito.

-He said "Finito" and it looks like

-it is finito for him.

-That's a great pity.

-Unfortunately,

-Matthew Roberts has had to stop.

-He's doing some stretching.

-He had some treatment this morning

-before the race, but he's not right.

-He takes a gel to help him but I

-wonder if he'll start running again.

-Tracy McCartney is back

-leading the women's race...

-..with Carla Molinaro.

-They have plenty to discuss as

-they're both personal trainers.

-They share tips but pretty soon,

-one will pull away from the other.

-It's an excellent battle

-at the front of the women's race.

-McCartney glances at her watch.

-She is back controlling the race

-and that is what she enjoys doing.

-As you can see, the road is empty

-behind Daniel Jones...

-..as we hear that Math Roberts

-is out of the race.

-That has now been confirmed.

-First in the women's race

-and second in the men's race.

-Daniel Jones is running strongly...

-..but the question is

-"Who is the strongest?"

-Can he catch up?

-He is three minutes behind

-as he reaches Betws Garmon.

-However, Bentley is so experienced.

-There's a new race for third spot.

-Rob Bridges is being chased...

-..by Darren King from Clowne Runners

-in Chesterfield.

-He is in his forties

-and looks very strong.

-Bridges, in front of him,

-is a familiar face.

-Angharad Mair

-is also a familiar face.

-She has Nerys Jones on her shoulder.

-Two very experienced runners.

-Two Welsh speakers who look happy...

-..and who are challenging

-the leaders in the women's race.

-There's a real battle

-in front of them.

-In the yellow, Joanne Nelson has

-moved up just as she did last year.

-She gets stronger

-as the race goes on.

-She is in second

-and challenging Tracy McCartney.

-I think she's going to pass

-Tracy McCartney to lead the race.

-McCartney is smiling as usual.

-She knows about

-and remembers Nelson.

-Nelson is leading the women's race.

-It's a tremendous race.

-Nelson didn't stop, she just

-went flying past Tracy McCartney.

-Russell Bentley has admitted

-to a weakness this year.

-He says that he hit the wall in both

-the Wrexham and London marathons.

-Will it happen again today?

-Here we are, from Waunfawr

-towards Bwlch-y-Groes.

-376 metres is very much a wall, Nic.

-Russell Bentley is getting stronger

-with every stride.

-He has a substantial advantage...

-..as he nears the toughest part

-of the course...

-..the steep climb

-from Waunfawr up to Bwlch-y-Groes.

-If he doesn't hit

-the proverbial wall...

-..then this year's Snowdonia

-Marathon is within his reach.

-The man who took John Gilbert's

-place in the race.

-He's a friend of John Gilbert...

-..and received his advice

-as well as some from Rob Samuel.

-That's what makes it a tough ask

-for this man, Daniel Jones.

-He doesn't look strong enough

-to climb these hills...

-..but he's tough and determined.

-But there's a master at work

-ahead of him.

-That is the look

-of a determined man.

-Darren King has done really well

-to get into third place.

-Darren King is 47 and has

-Rob Bridges not far behind him...

-..as they turn up to Waunfawr

-and pass by a feeding station...

-..on their way up to Bwlch-y-Groes.

-Daniel Jones is a slight man...

-..which is a huge advantage

-up these slopes.

-Russell Bentley

-looks strong and smooth...

-..as he reaches his 23rd mile.

-The sound of his breathing.

-This is possibly the most

-challenging part of the whole race.

-Joanne Nelson turns out of Waunfawr

-onto the challenging slopes...

-..as she continues

-to lead the women's race.

-The children and the whole community

-are out in support.

-These two are in third and fourth.

-Bridges has caught Darren King.

-In the background

-is the landscape...

-..that inspired Te yn y Grug by

-Kate Roberts and many other tales.

-These runners are writing

-their own stories.

-Bridges is good at going uphill.

-His strength is showing

-on the slopes of Snowdonia.

-Tracy McCartney looks to me

-like she has slowed down.

-She looks for the turning

-up to Waunfawr.

-She isn't as strong

-as she was last year.

-It's not the place to be

-if you're starting to tire.

-If those legs start to go, despite

-the applause of the children...

-..you would prefer

-to be going downhill.

-Andrea Rowlands is like a lioness

-lurking in the background...

-..knowing that maybe there's

-an opportunity ahead of her.

-She is close enough

-to Tracy McCartney to see her.

-The locals will support

-the local lass.

-What is the gap between the

-second and third-placed women?

-We are waiting for that time split

-as Waunfawr melts into the distance.

-At the head of the race, the man who

-is leading starts on his way down.

-You can smell Llanberis from here.

-It's a grey view over Dinorwig...

-..but it's not a grey day

-for Russell Bentley.

-The public get out

-of Daniel Jones' way.

-He's not a big man but you don't

-want him running over you.

-He is on fire and he's not stopping

-for anyone, believe you me...

-..as he cements his second place.

-It's clear that he's catching up

-with Russell Bentley.

-Here is Tracy McCartney.

-Well, that's what

-she was worried about.

-Has she hit the proverbial wall?

-Or will the rest be enough to help?

-The relentless Andrea Rowlands

-is coming up behind her.

-I'm sure that McCartney

-can hear her coming...

-..as she tries one more time.

-Andrea Rowlands

-is getting ever closer.

-You feel that second place in

-the women's race is going to change.

-This could be a crucial point

-in the women's race.

-One looks comfortable

-as the other starts to hobble.

-The horse watches as

-there's a change in the race.

-Andrea Rowlands is in second.

-This is Andrea's world,

-hills and mountains.

-Joanne Nelson glances at her watch.

-Does she feel she can

-break the record?

-The record is in danger,

-that's a fact, Nic.

-The women's record is three hours,

-five minutes and 15 seconds.

-Forget about the women for a while.

-All eyes are on the man

-who has dominated the men's race.

-Russell Bentley is running

-his first Snowdonia Marathon.

-He's going to remember it for ever

-because he's going to win it.

-People know this and that's why

-they have gathered to watch him...

-..ready to welcome him

-as he turns that final corner.

-His third ever marathon,

-every one of them in 2016.

-The man from Kent

-who lives in Beddgelert.

-He's on familiar ground

-and the people recognize him.

-Just listen to the applause.

-He is sprinting to the finish line,

-holding to every second possible.

-A Rolls Royce performance

-from Bentley.

-He's the 21st man to

-win the Snowdonia Marathon.

-It's his title as he battles

-for every breath.

-That's the size of his effort

-and he's a deserved winner.

-He gets the victory,

-the memories and a trophy...

-..and the title, winner of

-the 2016 Brooks Snowdonia Marathon.

-.

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

-Welcome back.

-Russell Bentley is the 21st man

-to win the Snowdonia Marathon.

-He wins a cup

-and an interview with Gareth.

-Russell, many congratulations.

-How do you feel?

-Exhausted. That's the hardest thing

-I've ever done in my life.

-Really, really hard.

-Was leading from the start

-the game plan?

-I felt good so I thought I'd go

-for it as I know the roads so well.

-I train here day in, day out

-so I felt comfortable all the way.

-You had a significant lead

-at Bwlch-y-Groes.

-Were you aware

-that the gap was closing?

-I had no idea what was going on.

-They were catching me up were they?

-Not so good on the hills.

-I had to work hard to keep in front.

-I had to work hard to keep in front.

-

-Well done, congratulations.

-Daniel Jones gave him a real race.

-He's also making his debut here.

-He takes second place.

-There's the sight you want.

-Congratulations, Daniel.

-Second place in your first marathon.

-Did it go as you expected?

-A lot harder than I thought.

-I managed to keep my pace

-constant throughout.

-I got into second and

-managed to hang on to the end.

-Pretty pleased with how I ran.

-What was the hardest part?

-22 to 24 miles, probably.

-I was trying to keep my pace

-and get to the finish.

-You represent Team Bath AC.

-You do have Welsh connections.

-My dad's from Harlech

-and he's a Welsh speaker.

-It means a lot running this race

-because my dad grew up around here.

-Very well done and thank you.

-It's been a great race for third

-between these two runners.

-Rob Bridges finished second in 2013.

-He's third this year.

-Darren King will settle for fourth.

-A great race.

-Well done.

-You've run this race before.

-What was today like for you?

-It was tough to be honest.

-It's a similar time to 2013.

-I was struggling through

-the last few miles.

-I had to battle with Darren

-which forced me to run a quick time.

-We ran together until about Mile 15

-and then I went ahead.

-He passed me at Mile 20

-and got a gap.

-I was stronger at the uphill

-and just got him.

-It was very, very close. I thought

-I'd have him on the sprint finish.

-Everyone is focussed

-on the women's race now.

-Joanne Nelson

-is flying down these slopes...

-..from Bwlch-y-Groes

-towards Llanberis.

-Where is Andrea Rowlands,

-is the question?

-Here she is, 40 seconds

-further back. Is that too much?

-It may be. Tracy McCartney

-in the purple on the grass.

-The bright colours that have been

-first and second are now third.

-Joanne Nelson is the one who has

-grabbed the lead when it counts.

-She is going to break

-the course record for the women.

-Joanne Nelson is trying

-to break this record of 3:05:15.

-She has plenty of time to spare

-but you wouldn't think it.

-Have you ever seen anyone finish

-a marathon with such determination?

-She is hell bent on

-smashing this record to smithereens.

-Joanne Nelson is the women's champ

-for the Snowdonia Marathon 2016.

-Victory and the record.

-Joanne, a broad smile broke out

-as you crossed the line.

-The victory means a lot.

-I ran last year and finished second

-and I was dying to come back.

-Fantastic course, I love it.

-I'm so pleased I won.

-I'm chuffed to bits.

-At what stage did you feel

-you could win it?

-When I overtook the girl

-in second at Mile 16...

-..and then overtook Andrea

-at Mile 18...

-..I knew I had a chance

-if I could keep going.

-It's such an ace course.

-I've been dying to get back again

-and the weather's fine.

-As we take in Joanne's beaming smile

-Andrea Rowlands finishes.

-She's second and

-she's broken that record too.

-That was a very exciting race.

-It was and there were so

-many changes and swapping places.

-Jo and I were swapping a lot

-in third and fourth.

-I knew she was strong and I watched

-her running past the others.

-I tried to keep behind her.

-I tried to keep behind her.

-

-Did you think you could catch her?

-No, I could see her

-but I couldn't get to her.

-I was too far behind to catch her.

-To be honest I'm genuinely pleased

-she's won because she deserves it.

-She came second last year and

-I'm really pleased with my time.

-I can't complain.

-Last year, Tracy McCartney won this

-race. She'll finish third this year.

-She's been part of

-a fantastic women's race.

-She always has

-a smile for the camera.

-All three had a chance there.

-It was nice to see the picture taken

-of you, Andrea and Joanne there.

-Joanne has taken your title

-this year.

-Finishing third is still

-quite an achievement.

-I'm really shocked.

-I got to Mile 10 and

-my quads started hurting.

-With all the training I'd done

-there's been no injury issues.

-That was tough

-because I had to keep going.

-The women's race was far more

-exciting than the men's race.

-I know. Jo overtook me

-and she was going really well.

-And then on the final climb

-Andrea was just so strong.

-Will you be back next year?

-Yes, I hope so. Especially

-if we get weather like this.

-I enjoyed it so much more this year.

-Nerys Jones has been running well

-throughout the race.

-She recorded a time of 2 hours 54

-minutes at the London Marathon.

-She's fourth and

-Angharad Mair is sixth.

-She's still amazing people

-at this event.

-You've run this race several times.

-What was it like this year?

-Same as always, terrible.

-It was going well

-until the last hill...

-..and then I had cramp

-so I had to walk.

-That was the only thing I could do.

-Then, the two girls passed me

-on the way down.

-Some people are a lot better than me

-at running downhill.

-We don't get much practise of that

-in Cardiff.

-I just had to let them go -

-there was nothing else I could do.

-And behind, the legs are buckling.

-The hell of one hill...

-..becomes a different hell

-on a hill going down.

-They will be reaching the end

-for hours.

-Russell Bentley a clear winner,

-but for the third position...

-..it's very close between

-Rob Bridges and Darren King.

-Daniel Jones is second in his

-first-ever Snowdonia Marathon...

-As is, of course, Russell Bentley.

-In the women's race,

-Joanne Nelson, Andrea Rowlands...

-..Tracy McCartney and Carla

-Molinaro have all been first.

-Nerys Jones finishes fourth and

-Angharad Mair was in sixth position.

-They're still arriving.

-This marathon proves once again...

-..that it can literally bring

-very resilient men to their knees.

-It brings tears of emotion.

-It's the first time I've been here

-for six years...

-..and I'd forgotten how hard it is,

-especially Waunfawr.

-The support all the way round

-was fantastic.

-The support from local people

-is just amazing.

-I want to do it again now!

-It has been hard.

-It has been so hard.

-This was the first time I've enjoyed

-running and getting all the support.

-You feel as if you're part

-of a big family.

-Great. Amazing!

-What about this for a story...

-..Simon Webb, a deafblind man

-on the left being lead.

-Yes, another exceptional story, Nic.

-That's my eighth marathon...

-..and it's probably the one

-I've enjoyed the most.

-The last five miles were really

-tough, but I did quite enjoy them.

-I cried when I crossed the line

-because I was so emotional.

-Because I come from the area,

-it's more emotional.

-I feel like it's my race.

-It was fab!

-Everyone felt it was a privilege

-to have Shane Williams here.

-Shane and his older brother

-finished a year of running.

-It's the hardest marathon

-I've ever done.

-I started running with my brother...

-..because I hadn't practised

-for a month and a half.

-My knee gave out and everything

-hurts now, but it was brilliant.

-I enjoyed it.

-What was the hardest part

-of the race?

-All the hills - the three hills.

-Going down too.

-The last hill, coming down

-on my knee, gosh it was hurting...

-..but fair play,

-I enjoyed the experience.

-Iorwerth Roberts has enjoyed

-the experience so much...

-..he has run every marathon -

-an exceptional achievement.

-What a great place for Matt and me

-to say goodbye.

-Goodbye!

-I was OK for a while but then I had

-terrible cramp at the top...

-..and the last three miles

-were horrible.

-Fantastic! Loved it! Thank you.

-That was the worst I've done.

-It was painful, but it was fab.

-It was worse than usual.

-Old age doesn't come alone!

-That was the toughest this week!

-It's the best race around...

-..but my legs had gone and

-I'm looking forward to sitting down.

-My legs are killing me.

-I'll be having a pint tonight!

-There are still runners

-on the course...

-..but the pain is at an end

-for another year for the majority.

-They have all achieved a wonderful

-feat today...

-..especially Russell Bentley

-and Joanne Nelson.

-This isn't an ordinary marathon,

-but the Snowdonia Marathon.

-Until next year, goodbye.

-S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.

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