Sprint Duathlon
Sun 26 Jul 2026 Betws-y-Coed, Clwyd, UK

Snowman Triathlon, Duathlon and Swims | Sprint Duathlon

Fast road cycling, tough trail running and big Snowdonia scenery combine in this punchy off-road duathlon — perfect for athletes craving a sharp, unforgettable mountain challenge.

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  • Sun 26 Jul 2026
Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed
Sprint Duathlon

08:00

Age 17 & over on 31 Dec 2026

£79.99-£86.99

  • 2.3 km multi terrain running + 259 ft ascent
  • 27.1 km road cycling + 371 m ascent
  • 6.3 km multi terrain running + 1446 ft ascent

Event overview

The UK's toughest multisport races.

The Snowman encompasses all that the adventure playground of North Wales offers and is infamous for a reason - just when you think you’re done there is a different challenge you’re not expecting. An exciting, adrenaline-fuelled and truly epic and unforgettable experience; completing The Snowman is a tick that every triathlete wants.

Highlights

  • Take on one of the UK’s most iconic off-road triathlons, set in the heart of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park
  • Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Llyn Mymbyr, framed by towering mountains
  • Cycle a challenging road route through Llanberis, Nant Gwynant and Pen y Pass, with relentless climbing and unforgettable views
  • Run tough trail and mountain paths with constant scenery to distract from the effort
  • Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, superb organisation and loyal following
  • A true test of endurance that rewards determination with one of the most memorable finishes in triathlon
  • Perfect for athletes seeking a classic, no-frills challenge in a world-class outdoor setting

This event is part of Snowman Triathlon, Duathlon and Swims.

Event details

  • Average fitness
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Event village
  • Gravel bike
  • Hybrid bike
  • Mountain bike
  • Road bike

  • Circular route
  • Cut off time
  • Distance markers
  • First aid
  • Marshals
  • Navigation not required
  • No headphones
  • Out and back
  • Way markers
  • GPX available

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Introduction

If you’re a runner and cyclist looking for a seriously tough challenge, the Snowman Sprint Duathlon is calling.

Ditch the swim and dive straight into the stunning, yet steep forest trails of Bryn Engen, then on to a high-adrenaline bike ride through Eryri’s mountainous terrain, followed by a scenic but testing trail run that climbs through Dyffryn Ogwen. Designed for duathletes, this race delivers fast-paced action with a mountain-sized dose of adventure. Feel the thrill. Embrace the mountain.

Description

Short and sharp, your first run starts just across the wooden bridge and follows the forest track to climb up the flanks of Moel Siabod. This time it’s not too far until you descend down the fire road, taking a sharp hairpin before following the forest path back to the footbridge, into transition and out onto your bike.

The Sprint bike section flows out to Capel Curig before turning towards Llyn Ogwen and Bethesda, a town that grew around the slate quarry industry. As you approach Bethesda you’ll turn left and start making your way back up the valley on the road known locally as the Roman road, a road that runs along the steep-sided glacial Nant Ffrancon valley. You’ll tackle a steep climb at the end before re-joining the main road at Llyn Ogwen. From here it’s a nice gentle open road all the way back to Plas y Brenin. This is an exceptionally stunning route, dwarfed in its entirety by two of Eryri’s mountain ranges; the Carneddau and the Glyderau.

Running shoes on, head back over the bridge. There is a reason that the Snowman Triathlon regularly gets called the toughest multi-terrain triathlon in the UK, and that’s because the run includes a mountain, Moel Siabod which at 872 metres, is the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range. Sprint athletes don't need to reach the summit but it's still a tough 2.3km climb up beautiful rocky paths before you reach the turning point and run back down again. To finish, you must turn right and run through the forest, then back along the fire road towards the lake. The finish line framing Wales' most famous peak, Yr Wyddfa awaits.

Cut off times

In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course, there will be strict cut-off times in place.

  • You have a total of 35 minutes to complete your Run 1 and exit transition.
  • You have a total of 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete your bike and exit transition.
  • You have a total of 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete your run.

  • Music

Event HQ

Plas y Brenin - National Outdoor Centre
Capel Curig
Betws-y-Coed
Clwyd
LL24 0ET
UK

  • Chip timing
  • GPS tracking
  • Map
  • Memento

Included

  • Lively Event Village

    Music, commentary, shopping, food, chill-out zones.

  • Family friendly vibes

    Family finishes and plenty to see and do.

  • On course support

    Brilliant marshals, signage, and pick up vehicles.

  • Unique finisher mementos

    Collect the second part of the famous Adventure Championships series.

  • Spectacular scenery

    Eryri's awe-inspiring scenery is the backdrop to your race.

  • Professional timing

    Chip timing, and live online results.

Optional extra

  • Race photography

You will need

If you are not already a member of British Triathlon, you will need:

  • British Triathlon Federation Race Pass - £8

Prizes

Individual

  • Overall - Top 3

A very well organised event - I compete in triathlons all around the UK and I genuinely mean that your events are amongst the best around. Superb staff and volunteers on the day, great information prior to the event, a good race day pack and a fantastic course. 2022 Participant

  • Age 17 & over on 31 Dec 2026
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

Entry fees

Entry fee

£79.99

Valid to 12/07/2026

Entry fee

£86.99

Valid 12/07/2026 - 25/07/2026

Enter now

Other races at event

  • Sun 26 Jul 2026
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Sprint Triathlon

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£96.99-£125.99

  • 750 m lake swimming
  • 27.1 km road cycling + 371 m ascent
  • 6.3 km multi terrain running + 441 m ascent
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Standard Triathlon

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£115.99-£141.99

  • 1500 m lake swimming
  • 69.3 km road cycling + 3753 ft ascent
  • 8.7 km multi terrain running + 2276 ft ascent
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Legend Triathlon

07:00

Age 18 & over

£239.99-£259.99

  • 1900 m lake swimming
  • 95.6 km road cycling + 5045 ft ascent
  • 21.2 km multi terrain running + 2926 ft ascent
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£42.99-£47.99

  • 1500 m lake swimming
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2.4 Mile Swim

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£47.99-£52.99

  • 2.4 miles lake swimming

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Get outdoors

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