Update 21st May: Congratulations to Barbara, and friend James, who battled terrible weather conditions to make it to the top of Cadair Idris and back down again, to complete the gruelling Ras-y-Gadar half marathon.
The weather couldn’t have been worse, with wind, rain, low cloud and difficult terrain to navigate. Despite this, Barbara and James showed grit and determination to complete this toughest of fell races, taking in the stunning scenery of the Snowdonia National Park as they ran.
It must have been a difficult race without competitors and crowd support but we are absolutely delighted that, despite earlier set backs, Barbara managed to complete this monumental challenge and not only that she has managed to raise over £1700 for The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC).
We are thrilled that by completing this half marathon, Barbara has ticked something off her bucket list and we are hugely grateful to her for completing the challenge on behalf of RNC and for all the support she has received through donations.
Congratulations and thank you, Barbara, from everyone at RNC.
For more information, Barbara has written a short piece for the Sterling Magazine which you can read here.
16th April Update: Unfortunately, this race has, again, fallen victim to Covid, with officials announcing another postponement. The good news is, Barbara has decided to continue with the challenge and run it on the day it was scheduled – Saturday 21 May 2021. Without the cheer of the crowd it will be an even tougher challenge, so please support her through a donation, if you can (details below).
RNC supporter, Barbara Goodway, will embark on one of the UK’s toughest mountain fell races when she takes her place at the starting line in the Welsh market town of Dolgellau, on Saturday 21 May 2021.
The notorious Cadair Idris Mountain Half Marathon, known in Welsh as Ras-y-Gadar, is a tough route to glory. Barbara will have to make her way to the mountain summit almost 3,000 feet above sea level and back again, on ever changing terrain.
She is taking on the challenge to raise funds for RNC, after meeting Fundraising Manager, Melanie Denning, at a business event organised by Sterling Networks. She says:
I love challenging myself and pushing myself to the limits and I love supporting those in need.
Barbara’s support couldn’t have come at a more significant time for the charity. The estimated financial impact of Covid-19 on the College is over £500,000 and counting. This money has been spent to safeguard its staff and students when on campus, with extra staffing, cleaning and PPE, and to ensure students had the necessary accessible technology and software when learning remotely.
Barbara is certainly undertaking a tough challenge but, hopefully, the incredible views of Cregennen Lakes, the Mawddach Estuary and Barmouth Bridge will be a welcome distraction on the day.
You can spur Barbara on by donating via her JustGiving page here.
