Dragon's Back Race
Long distance 6 day race in Wales
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The Dragon's Back Race (in Welsh, Ras Cefn y Ddraig) is a multi-day running race across mountains of Wales, from North Wales to South Wales. The 2019 race was from Conwy to Llandeilo, taking place over five days. The ascents in it would add up to twice the height of Mount Everest. The first race was in September 1992, and the second in September 2012.[1] The name refers to the legendary Welsh Dragon.
| Dragon's Back Race | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Date | c.September |
| Location | Wales |
| Event type | Multi-day trail |
| Distance | 236 miles (380 km) |
| Established | September 1992 |
| Organizer | Ourea events (www |
| Official site | www |
History
The race was previously over five days and Dalamere notes a distance of 186 miles (299 km),[2] as opposed to the 2021 length of 236 miles (380 km).[3]
In August 2020 the organisers, Ourea Events, released the news that the 2021 edition of the race would mark a step change in the evolution of the event with the addition of a sixth day, which would see the race finish at the iconic Cardiff Castle.
The winners have been as follows.[4]
| Year | Men | Time | Women | Time | Days | Pairs | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | John Redmayne | 42:59:00 | - | - | 5 | Helene Diamantides and Martin Stone | 38:38:00 |
| 2012 | Steve Birkinshaw | 43:25:30 | Helene Whitaker | 49:10:05 | 5 | ||
| 2015 | Jim Mann | 40:08:03 | Jasmin Paris | 41:45:34 | 5 | ||
| 2017 | Marcus Scotney | 37:58:37 | Carol Morgan | 48:41:47 | 5 | ||
| 2019 | Galen Reynolds | 37:48:06 | Lisa Watson | 44:33:23 | 5 | ||
| 2021 | Simon Roberts | 45:42:11 | Katie Mills | 61:12:54 | 6 | ||
| 2022 | James Nobles | 50:40:23 | Lisa Watson | 53:46:22 | 6 | ||
| 2023 | Hugh Chatfield | 47:38:44 | Robyn Cassidy | 54:25:05 | 6 | ||
| 2024 | Max King | 45:39:19 | Jo Meek | 63:30:11 | 6 |
2021 Route
The distance was 236 miles (380 km) covered in six days.[3]
- Day 1, to be covered in 7h 30m,[5] is 49 kilometres (30 mi) and involves 3,800 metres (12,500 ft) of vertical gain.[6] The leg goes from Conwy Castle, Carneddau (3,000 feet (910 m)), Tryfan, Glyderau, Crib Goch ridge, Snowdon Horseshoe to Nant Gwynant.[7]
- Day 2, 36 miles (58 km) with 3,400 metres (11,200 ft) vertical climb, routes via Cnicht, Moelwynion, Rhinogydd mountains.[8]
- Day 3, 43 miles (69 km), goes from Dolgellau over Cadair Idris to the Cambrian Mountains. ,[9] with a half-way checkpoint at Machynlleth, the last provision restock point for two days,[10] before ascending Pen Pumlumon Fawr,[11] the highest peak in central Wales at 2,400 feet (730 m).[12]
- Day 4, 70 kilometres (43 mi) over much flatter terrain with views through the Elan Valley,[13] and ends at Rhandirmwyn.[14]
- Day 5, 70 kilometres (43 mi) with 3,200 metres (10,500 ft) of vertical ascent,[15] is through the Brecon Beacons, crossing its six main peaks including Pen y Fan, the highest in South Wales, before finishing at Talybont-on-Usk.[16]
- Day 6, 40 miles (64 km),[17] through the valleys to Merthyr Tydfil, then along the Taff trail and River Taff to Cardiff Castle.[18]
