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• The 2011 Event

Snowdon 500 Challenge – 19th & 20th May 2012

Help us find a cure for prostate cancer

Snowdon 500 - 2011 encounters challenging weather conditions

The Snowdon 500 Charity Challenge raising funds for prostate cancer research took place over the weekend of 21st and 22nd May 2011.The early Saturday morning weather forecast predicted winds gusting up to 35 mph with potentially heavy rain arriving by 4pm. Participants started to set off at 07.30 but the weather soon started to deteriorate and heavy rain arrived by mid-day with winds picking up to 50 mph on the summit. During the afternoon conditions became quite difficult with persistent driving rain and strong winds with visibility on the higher reaches of the mountain down to a few yards at best. Despite the terrible conditions participants heroically continued to the summit and back down to the finish at Llanberis wet and bedraggled but satisfied with the completion of a difficult charity challenge.

On Sunday morning the rain had disappeared but the early morning forecast predicted gale force winds gusting up to 70 mph with the potential for heavy rain squalls by mid-day. In the circumstances and on advice from the local mountain rescue team it was decided to abandon the summit attempt as the conditions would be potentially very dangerous particularly for the youngsters taking part. An alternative and safer trek covering some 10k on the lower reaches of the mountain (but still climbing above 600m) was organised by the safety marshals. Despite the disappointment of not reaching the summit of Snowdon the alternative trek proved to be both scenic and enjoyable.