Marathon Eryri cancelled as Storm Austen leaves course unsafe

'Heartbroken' organisers say they were left with no option but to cancel the 2026 event

People take part in Marathon Eryri in north Wales. This year's event will not go ahead due to the weather(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)

This weekend's Marathon Eryri has been called off due to severe weather conditions. North Wales has been battered on Friday by Storm Austen, with weather warnings in force throughout the day and more wet and windy conditions set to follow on Saturday.

The storm has resulted in train cancellations and fallen trees as fierce gale-force winds and torrential rain hit different parts of Wales. You can follow all the latest storm updates on our live blog here.

The organisers of Marathon Eryri said they had to make the "heartbreaking" decision to cancel Saturday's event - which begins and finishes in Llanberis and is renowned as the UK's toughest marathon, reports North Wales Live. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

In a statement released this evening, organisers said: "It's been a long and difficult week for us all here at Marathon Eryri and we'd like to thank you all for your patience whilst we have been trying our best to get the race on for our amazing runners,"

"Following today's course assessment, our Course Management team deemed the course unsafe, with wind gusts, tree debris and flooding across the course. We've been taking advice from all the sources we can, and consulting with safety experts.

"Though conditions have eased this evening, unfortunately the forecast for tomorrow has worsened considerably and we have had to make the regrettable decision to cancel this year's Marathon Eryri.

"To say that we are heartbroken would be an understatement, but we have to think of the safety of everyone involved, not just our runners but our incredible marshals, some of whom are out there for over eight hours.

"It's our intention to defer all runners' places to next year and we will be emailing out further details as soon as we can.

"Thanks to everyone for the support they have given us, especially over the last 24 hours. This race has over 40 years of history, and one of the most loyal and cherished communities in the world of running, long may that continue. Love from us all at Tîm Eryri."