2024 Copper SkyTrail Race Report
Last but not least from this year’s epic fifth edition of SkyRun Eryri® is the race report for the Copper SkyTrail (INFO). Initially conceived as an introduction to skyrunning, this popular course became a certified SkyRace in 2021 (and is now part of the Skyrunner® UK & Ireland Series from 2024) and is also the first race in the inaugural Skyrunning U23 sub-series this year (more info HERE) — itself inspired by the Skyrunner® World Series’ U23 Trofeo Esteban Olivero (INFO).
Measuring 27km with 2,300m+ elevation gain over three main climbs, the race boasts runnable trails and tons of technicality, but without any graded scrambling. The Copper SkyTrail is therefore an accessible event where a wide range of abilities, across all age cats, can rub shoulders together and race alongside the elites.
Fun in the fast lane on the Copper SkyTrail 2024 ©Tanya Raab.
By 10:00 on Saturday morning, the early drizzle was easing and things were looking up for the 128 runners on the Copper SkyTrail start line.
As dot-watchers might have been expecting, Welsh elite Kristian Jones started strong and was first to the summit of Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon, in just 38 minutes. Clearly at home in these mountains, Jones extended his lead throughout the morning and was half-an-hour ahead of the next runner when he later crossed the line in first place.
Overall winner Kristian Jones showing how it’s done! ©Tanya Raab.
Second male home was Irish athlete Edna Cloake, who although sitting in third place when he passed the Llyn Llydaw checkpoint, pulled out a strong finish to overtake Caleb Nonhebel in second. The front runners in this race experienced much of the course in poor visibility but by the afternoon the sun had broken through, stoking the after-party vibes back at race HQ.
Sunshine and smiles for the top three in the men’s Copper SkyTrail 2024 ©Hollie Harmsworth.
Not only did Nonhebel take the third spot on the men’s podium, he was also first in the U23 category and will now take maximum points into the next race of the Skyrunner® UK & Ireland U23 sub-series. Second U23 was Marcus Williams in 7th position. We can expect to see more top performances from these two talented young athletes throughout the remainder of the series!
Watch this space for more great things from U23 Caleb Nonhebel ©Tanya Raab.
In 4th position overall, Charles Sykes was first male 45-49, finishing in just 3h46. Rich Gill was first 40-44 (9th overall) and Brian Corcoran finished first 50-54. The fastest 55+ back to race headquarters was Shaun Western.
Technical, rocky trails are a staple of this route! ©Tanya Raab.
In the women’s race, Irish runner Rhona Pierce dispatched a convincing win, breaking away early and maintaining her lead on the rest of the field throughout the race. Meanwhile, up and coming U23 athlete Isabelle Whittle chased Pierce hard across the course but couldn’t quite close her down. Behind her, in third place, Harriet Ballantyne paced herself well and held a tight grip on the final podium spot from beginning to end. Despite no jostling for positions at the front of this race, the competition was clearly tight, as the three leading ladies crossed the line within 6 minutes of each other.
It was a close contest at the front of the women’s race ©Hollie Harmsworth.
Outside of the podium, Ruth Partridge was first in the female Masters 40-44, Heather King first 45-49, Samanth Healy first 50-54 and Deborah Anne Fisher, winner of the 55+ category.
Isabelle Whittle takes second female and first U23 in under 5hrs ©Tanya Raab.
Full provisional results can now be found online HERE.
What Next?
Points will now be awarded to the top 20 M/F runners in the National Series ranking. Series ranking charts will be added to the Skyrunning UK website later this week.
If the Copper SkyTrail has piqued your interest but still feels like a big step, why not enter the Fairy Trail (INFO) next year – the perfect magic door into skyrunning in the UK! Entries are already open for SkyRun Eryri® 2025, so get your name down soon by entering HERE today!
Next up in the 2024 Skyrunner® UK & Ireland Series and SkyUltra®/U23 sub-series’ are the following races from Lake District Sky Trails (LDST) on 20th/21st July in Patterdale, NE Lakes:
The Rab Helvellyn Sky Ultra: 57km & 3,700m+ and the second race of the new SkyUltra® Series. Entry HERE.
The St. Sunday Mountain Race: 29km & 2,050m+ and the second race of the new U23 Series. Entry HERE.
The Rab Pinnacle Ridge Extreme: 28km & 2,700m+ and as the name suggest, the most technical race in the series by far, featuring Grade 3 scrambling! Vetted entry HERE.
Entry closing date to all these races have been extended to 7th July (and 4th July for PRE), so it’s not too late to be part of the new Skyrunner® National Series! Enter HERE today.
Find out your ranking in the Skyrunner® UK & Ireland Series later this week.
