Extra water for 30th Snowdon race

Runners are being urged to cover up and drink plenty of water

Organisers of the 30th Snowdon race have bought in thousands of extra litres of water to help runners cope with the hot weather.

A local bottled water company has also donated 1,000 bottles to the event.

Runners will be advised to cover up with a shirt and hat as they register for Saturday's 10-mile race up and down the highest peak in Wales and England.

Runners are expected from all over Britain as well as Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Australia.

"The hot weather does make it more difficult to run and people must drink plenty of water whilst they are out on the mountainside," said race secretary Geoff Clegg.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Medical cover for the race includes two doctors out on the mountain, Llanberis Mountain Rescue team - who are all first aid trained - as well as "loads of marshals".

Ambulances will also be stationed at the finish line and there is an arrangement with the Snowdon Mountain Railway to pick up any injured runners at locations along the railway track.

Forecasters say humidity will be a problem on Saturday, and temperatures even at height will be about 22C (72F).

"It is difficult to persuade people to drink, especially when they are going down, they go at such a pace they don't want to stop to drink," said Mr Clegg, an experienced fell runner.

"We will be advising them all to cover up with a hat and t-shirt at registration and suggesting they carry their own water, although we will be supplying water at three points on the mountain," Mr Clegg added.

Even experienced runners can be caught out, he said. At a recent race in Llangollen, one runner collapsed and had to be carried off the mountainside simply because he had not drunk enough.

'Going like the clappers'

"On Snowdon it is usually a bit cooler after Clogwyn which is about half way up because there is a bit of a breeze," said Mr Clegg.

"But when it's hot it's hot the whole way as it's completely open all the way, there's no place that's sheltered."

The warmer weather is also expected to attract extra spectators and visitors.

"I hope people make way for the runners, especially as they come down. It's compulsory for runners who are coming up to make way for people who are running down and going like the clappers, but spectators don't always realise this," Mr Clegg added.

The race starts at 1400 BST on Saturday in the village of Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon.