Dragon's Back Race
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Legendary Multi-Stage Ultra Running
The Dragon's Back Race is a multi-stage mountain running event held annually in September. The course tracks the spine of Wales, beginning at Conwy Castle and concluding at Cardiff Castle. Participants encounter a variety of terrain including grass, peat, mud, rock, and river crossings, along with long sections of asphalt.
The event offers several participation options:
- The Full Dragon: A 380 km journey with 16,400 m of total ascent completed over 6 days.
- Dragon's Fire: A two-day introduction starting at Conwy Castle covering the initial sections of the route.
- Dragon's Tail: A two-day journey through the Bannau Brycheiniog ending in Cardiff.
- The Hatchling: A flexible option where participants complete a portion of the race route each day.
The route is not marked on the ground, requiring participants to be self-sufficient in navigation using a supplied 1:40,000 scale event map, compass, or GPS device. From 2026, the race follows a single mandatory route. Every runner carries a GPS tracker for safety monitoring.
Overnight accommodation is provided in communal tents at mobile camps. The catering follows a meat and fish free menu, providing high-calorie meals for breakfast and dinner. Participants must provide their own "hill food" to consume during the day while on the course. Support points are available mid-way through each day where runners can access a resupply dry bag and drinking water.
Mandatory kit is required at all times, including specialized mountain clothing, a survival bag, and a headlamp. The event includes course closure times each evening at 22:00. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
