Running up the worlds (formerly) steepest street

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

On the 15th of July 2019, Ffordd Pen Llech became the Guinness world record holder for the steepest street in the world at 37.5%. The road is fairly infamous amongst cyclists as a hill climb (although it's actually a 1 way road - downhill). It starts behind the train station in the beautiful Welsh coastal town of Harlech, rises steeply up around the cliff the castle perches upon, along a narrow twisting road, until you arrive at a gift shop behind the castle! - Photos do it no justice.

Sadly, it lost the accolade in April 2020 back to Baldwin street, Dunedin, NZ, but it's still just as steep!

Since I love the strange and ludicrous stats and achievements, that has meant that it has been on my list for a while. My original plan to run it was postponed due to Covid and lockdowns but during the summer, when we were allowed out, I managed to have a go on a hot and sunny afternoon!

On the map profile you will see the street from 500 to 1000m with the steepest section to 750m. Apart from a brief pause to take a picture on the way up, I'm actually proud to say I made it all the way up - although I must confess that I then spent about a minute bent over with burning legs.

I ended up continuing along the route of the The Worlds Steepest Street Race just to get a longer run in!

Would I recommend it? Definitely, although I would suggest attempting it only if you like hills!


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