First blind runner to complete Râs yr Wyddfa raises money for Society
The first blind runner to complete Râs yr Wyddfa (the Snowdon Race) has handed over the money he raised for the benefit of members of the North Wales Society for the Blind.
Gareth Davies, 52, from Abergavenny, successfully completed the challenging eight-mile course in 2 hours and 54 minutes.
Gareth, who is registered blind, is a project lead for the 'See Cymru Differently' initiative with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Gareth said: “I have Retinitis Pigmentosa – I have only 10% useful vision in my left eye and no vision at all in my right eye. Apart from that 10%, everything is just a big blur.
“The result is that it is difficult for me to navigate my way around, and I cannot see anything at all in the dark.
“Sun glare also affects me significantly. On a daily basis, I carry a symbol cane (a small white cane to show others that I have a visual impairment), which I use in busy areas and on public transport.
“It is a degenerative condition, so it is likely that the remaining 10% of my vision will disappear in the coming years.” “I was diagnosed with RP in my late teens and registered blind about 11 years ago.
“That said, my motto in life is that ‘vision is a state of mind’ rather than something physical. This attitude enables me to run with a guide and take part in events like Râs yr Wyddfa.”
Explaining why he wanted to raise funds for the Society, he said:
“At this time last year, I went on one of the Society’s walks at Pen-y-Pas, above Llanberis.
“I received an incredibly warm welcome, and through talking to group members during the walk and at their Christmas party at Bethesda Rugby Club, I saw just how much the Society’s work means to blind and visually impaired people in North Wales.
“As someone who is registered blind myself, I could fully relate to this sense of belonging.
“Given the location of Râs yr Wyddfa, raising money for the Society felt like the perfect choice.”
Gareth described the race as “very tough but thoroughly enjoyable.”
He said: “I had trained hard with my guide runner, Brett, putting in the miles and tackling the climbs over the last few months in the Black Mountains around Abergavenny and in the South Wales Valleys.
“Although I felt confident, I was anxious about reaching Clogwyn Station before the one-hour-15-minute cut-off time; once we managed that, I felt more relaxed.”
“Soon after, I reached the summit and witnessed an incredible phenomenon where the clouds lay low in the valleys—a cloud inversion.
“Running down yr Wyddfa was more challenging as we needed to focus much more on the technical aspects of the path, but I managed to move quickly on the flatter sections.
“The Llanberis community made the day very special, and their support was fantastic.”
He said: “I was also thrilled when the race director confirmed that I was the first blind runner to take part in the 49-year history of Râs yr Wyddfa.
“For me, it’s not about being the first, but ensuring I won’t be the last. I hope other blind or partially sighted runners will see that this is possible and take part in this race and other trail or mountain races in Wales and beyond.
“I’m now looking forward to a few more mountain races next year, including Ben Nevis and the Montane Lakeland 50 in Cumbria.
“I’m also really looking forward to going on another walk with the North Wales Society of the Blind’s walking group later this year.
The Society’s chief executive, Steven Thomas, said: “Many thanks to Gareth for tackling Râs yr Wyddfa and for raising a fantastic £150 for the Society.
“Sticking with the theme of enjoying the outdoors, I think it would be fitting to use the money to support our Eryri Walking Club—specifically to help cover transport costs for one of their trips.”
“The easiest way for anyone wishing to donate to the Society is via the ‘Make a Donation’ button on our website.”
Meanwhile, Gareth has been nominated for a ‘National Park Protector’ Award by the Campaign for National Parks—something he described as a “lovely surprise and a great honour.”
Gareth said: “Through my work with See Cymru Differently, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with amazing people and organisations who are fully committed to making our landscapes and coastlines more accessible and inclusive for people like me, who are living with a visual impairment.” “This nomination reflects those partnerships, relationships, and collaborative efforts just as much as it reflects anything I have achieved personally.
“If I were fortunate enough to win, it would provide a valuable platform to draw further attention to the work we are doing together.”
“It would help raise awareness of the importance of inclusive access to nature and national parks/landscapes, create new opportunities for collaboration, and help reach more people who could benefit from engaging with our wonderful outdoor spaces.
He said: “I would be extremely grateful if you would consider taking a moment to vote for me in the 'People’s Choice' category via the link.
