S4C will show highlights of the International Snowdon Race on Sunday night as runners from around the world tackle the rugged landscape of Snowdonia.
The race is ten miles long and is considered one of the hardest mountain races in Europe, and 500 runners converge on Llanberis each year to try to accomplish the feat.
One of the programme's presenters, Lowri Morgan, also presents Ralïo on S4C. Lowri is an experienced runner who has completed many marathons in the past – and running the Snowdon Race is one of her ambitions.
“Every year, I say I'll run the race next year. But even though I've never taken part, I can appreciate how much of a challenge it is,” says Lowri, who has completed Ironman UK twice as well as the London Marathon five times and the New York Marathon once.
“The race is unique because the path changes from tarmac to a more rugged landscape, and people from all over the world come to take part. I have great respect for anyone who runs the race, especially when I see the professional runners flying up the mountain.”
Lowri, along with Y Clwb Rygbi's Gareth Roberts, will be interviewing runners as they reach the peak and when they cross the finishing line - and Nic Parry will keep an eye on the proceedings from the commentary box.
Because the ascent and the descent are completely different, Lowri says it's not always the first to the top who wins the race.
“Going down the mountain can be even harder. Your legs feel like a sack of potatoes and the small rocks can be hard on the feet and legs. It's easy for the runners to lose control and fall because they're so tired.”
The drama and excitement of the day's events will be shown on television thanks to numerous cameras located at key points along the route, as well as aerial shots from a helicopter. The only thing that can have an adverse affect on the race is the weather, but Lowri has been lucky every time she's presented there.
"I remember one year, when I was presenting from the mountain's summit. It was cloudy until quarter to two, but when the race started at two o'clock, the clouds lifted and the views were amazing. I hope it will be similar this year!"
© 2008 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales