Staff & OEs Raise Funds for C.R.Y with School to Snowdon Run

A team of intrepid runners made up of staff and former students from Ellesmere College took on the challenge of the ‘School to Snowdon Run’ one week ahead of the annual student run that takes runners on a relay race covering 75 miles from the gates of the College to the base of Snowdon.

The team - comprising of a mix of 10 staff from various departments in the College and three OEs - took on the challenge to raise funds for CRY-UK  - which highlights the risk of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) in 14-35 year olds.

An early start saw the first pair of runners leave the College at 4:30am to start the 75 mile journey on road and off-road, with some of the off-road sections quite challenging following the unseasonably wet weather! The support buses kept in close touch with the runners, helping with directions and a steady supply of water and snacks at the changeover points - allowing the runners to stay dry and warm in between each leg. Most pairs ran a total of four legs over the course of the distance and then face the final challenge - the walk up Snowdon to finish!

Although the weather was kind, the peak of Snowdon was shrouded in cloud and was deemed too dangerous to climb, so unfortunately the team had to turn back just 45 minutes from the top of the mountain.

Team Captain and External Relations Officer, Olivia Beckett said: “It was an amazing day with all the runners and support team showing huge levels of commitment prior to the event in training and preparation, and then on the day itself. We were very lucky with the weather and I am so proud of everyone for completing this amazing challenge. The team really pulled together and we made it to the Pen-Y-Pass carpark at the base of Snowdon in just under 13 hours."

“It was disappointing that we didn’t summit the peak but we’ve raised nearly £1000 so far for CRY-UK which we are really delighted with and want to thank everyone who supported us!”

Donations to CRY-UK can still be made through the Just Giving page: Snowdon Run

Image: OE Runners Joe Pescod and Mark McBrien pass the Powys line! 

21st June 2019  Back to News