Runner dies after mountain race

England's Andi Jones won the race for the fourth time in a row

A 45-year-old fell runner has died while taking part in the annual Snowdon race.

The man, understood to be local to the north west Wales area, collapsed some 300m (984ft) below the summit while racing to the peak.

He was airlifted to hospital in Bangor but medical teams were unable to revive him.

Elfyn Jones, chairman of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, said event safety had been "second to none" on the day.

"Safety for the race was excellent and we have to commend the organisers for that," insisted Mr Jones.

"There were two mountain rescue teams, Aberglaslyn and North East Wales Mountain Rescue, on the race course, and I believe there were five doctors and two paramedics as well.

"It was as good safety preparation as I have ever seen."

Mr Jones said the fell runner who died had received medical assistance "within seconds" of collapsing, and was rapidly airlifted off the mountain.

Safety cover

He said it was a tragic incident, and as yet the reason for the death has not been established, however it appeared it could have been heart related.

During the race, mountain rescue teams dealt with another five incidents involving competitors.

"But it was mostly cuts and bruises, the sort of thing you might expect in a fell race where runners can stumble and fall," added Mr Jones.

"That is why the extra safety cover is there."

The injured runners were taken down the mountain on the Snowdon railway, and a few needed hospital treatment for cuts.

An estimated 500 people took part in what was the 34th International Snowdon Race.

The winner, for the fourth year in a row, was Andi Jones from England, who completed the 10-mile route in 1 hour 8 minutes.