On your marks! Jones Bros sponsors Marathon Eryri30th Oct 2023

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has supported one of Wales’ toughest sporting competitions, responsible for raising tens of thousands for local charities.

The Ruthin-headquartered firm sponsored the Marathon Eryri by providing funding to supply high-visibility jackets for volunteers to assist runners on the day.

The civil engineering contractor’s involvement comes as part of its work to demolish the Llanberis-based Electric Mountain Visitor Centre, which will be removed and re-instated as grassland earmarked for community activities.

Located a short distance from the site, the race dates back to 1982 and has been voted twice as the best British marathon, with almost 2,300 runners taking part in the 26.2 mile route this year.

The not-for-profit challenge, which encircles Yr Wyddfa, aims to help local community projects in the surrounding area through donating money made from ticket sales.

This year’s annual autumn event saw £33,000 raised for charity partner Tenovus Cancer Care, enough to keep its mobile treatment unit running for seven weeks.

Jones Bros public liaison officer Beatrice Harkin said: “It was fantastic to be involved with such a valued sporting challenge which allows participants to enjoy the exceptional Eryri (Snowdonia) scenery.

“With our work in Llanberis, we are really pleased to have supported the occasion, especially as the money raised will be donated to local causes.”

The event was taken over by organisation Marathon Eryri Cyf from the National Trust in 2007 and was rebranded in 2023 without mention of Snowdonia to fall in line with the National Park Authority’s decision to name the tourist site by its Welsh title.

Race coordinator Jayne Lloyd added: “It meant a great deal for Jones Bros to get involved through helping fund resources for our volunteers on the day.

“We’re immensely thankful as it helps us ensure the occasion can continue to take place, and in turn the benefits provided to groups and charities in the region will be felt long into the future.

Established in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the largest plant fleets in the UK and employs approximately 500 people.

The company is currently working on contracts in various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, waste management and renewable energy around the UK.

The company runs an award-winning apprenticeship scheme, which has produced nearly 40 per cent of its current workforce, with many of its senior managers having started out as apprentices or in a trainee role. It has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.