Ras y Gader, the Cader Idris mountain race, one of the toughest fell races in Wales, and viewed by many as a classic "must do" race in the calendar.
The event starts and finishes in the market town of Dolgellau, at sea level, and climbs almost 3000ft to the summit of Pen y Gader itself. One of the real challenges of the race is the constantly changing terrain, switching from steep metalled roads to flat tracks behind Gwernan lake, pitched steps up the Pony Path, and picking your way among the boulder fields on the final ascent........and then you've got to do it all in reverse!
The key to success is avoiding cramp with the changing surfaces and gradients on the way back to town.
The atmosphere at the finish line, for those who successfully complete the course, with cheering crowds will long remain in the memory.
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Sponsors of the Main race: Robinsons Brewery, Royal Ship Hotel, Dolgellau
Sponsors of the Junior race: JGS Electricals.
Thank you to the race sponsors Robinsons Brewery Royal Ship Hotel, Dolgellau
Winner Henry Ruddell, Pudsey & Bramley AC, 1:28:49.
First Woman Megan Mitchell, Swansea Bay Orienteering Club, 1:35:56.
Race Report 2024
On 17 May 2025, the hills around Dolgellau saw one of Wales’s most iconic mountain races come to life once again: Ras y Gader, the Cader Idris Mountain Race. The weather played its part beautifully warm, sunshine, and very good visibility. The summit offered stunning views, and the local support along the route, particularly on the descent back into Dolgellau, was strong. Spectators cheered as runners returned, making for a celebratory finish in the town square.
From the off, several runners made strong moves, aiming to capitalise on the early climb to set the tone. On the ascent, pacing strategy proved critical: those who went out too hard risked paying for it on the boulder-fields, while more measured runners conserved enough energy for the tricky descent. At the summit, the leaders were separated by only slim margins, but on the descent, technique and grit made the difference. Runners displaying good mountain running experience navigated the rocky sections with confidence, pushing hard back toward Dolgellau.
Men’s Winner: Henry Ruddell (Pudsey & Bramley AC) claimed the top spot in 1:28:49, executing a smart, strong run from summit to finish.
Women’s Winner: Megan Mitchell (Swansea Bay Orienteering Club) crossed in 1:35:56, showing great composure uphill and staying solid on the descent.
Second and third placings added to the drama: Gavin Roberts (Calder Valley Fell Runners) was runner-up and David Lawson (Shettleston Harriers) third in the men’s race; in the women’s race, Ruth Calcraft (Run Free Fell Runners) came second, with Katie Ironside (Mynyddwyr De Cymru) in third.
This year the event also doubled as a Welsh team trial, adding another layer of competition.
Ras y Gader 2025 delivered its trademark mix of challenge and beauty. Henry Ruddell’s strong run and Megan Mitchell’s composed performance made for deserving winners, but beyond the podium, the race once again embodied what makes fell running special: community spirit, respect for the mountain, and personal challenge. The race remains a “must-do” in the Welsh fell-running calendar — and with the next event already set for 16 May 2026, many runners will doubtless be plotting their return.
Dylan Evans, Race Director.
