Forth Valley Orienteers

Snowdon International Race

26 July, 2010

The Snowdon International Race (from Llanberis to the top and back, 10miles with 3500ft of climb) had a strong field, particularly from the home countries although also the men's world mountain running champion from Kenya, and saw some windy wet misty conditions on the mountain (helped to keep the size of the climb hidden I guess!).

None of this was a problem for FVO's Catriona Buchanan, running in the Scotland team, who ran away from all the other women on the ascent and descended strongly too, to take a magnificent victory in just over 1hr 21mins - fantastic running! With Catriona winning the women's race and Robbie Simpson the men's race, I think the race organisers were a little shell shocked to find their prestigious race wins falling to a pair of Scottish 18 year olds - nice one!

The TV cameras were out in force (although the conditions meant they could not use their helicopter as planned), and there was an hour special on the race on S4C on Sunday night. The coverage was pretty good and the programme can be watched here here - good coverage of Catriona during the ascent and descent as well as in the moment of victory etc - plus also look out for a banter start by FVO's Jamie Stevenson as the race heads up the road out of Llanberis (Jamie was there for a selection race and was racing to the top only).

Congratulations also to Jon Cross. He had a fine run to finish in 1:37:03, in the top third of the field. Well done Jon.

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