Dragon's Back Race
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Dragon's Back Race
The Dragon's Back Race is a multi stage, multi day mountain running event in Wales. The full course covers 380 km and 16,400 m of ascent, running broadly from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle over six days. From 2026 the event follows a single mandatory route marked on the event map.
Key race options and distances:
- Full Dragon: 380 km, 16,400 m ascent over six days
- Dragon's Fire: two day introduction covering the event's most challenging terrain
- Dragon's Tail: two day finish covering the final sections to Cardiff
- The Hatchling: participants may complete part of the route each day
The route is not way marked on the ground and navigation is required. Organisers supply a Harvey Maps 1:40,000 paper map and publish GPX files; GPS devices are recommended. Every participant is issued a GPS tracker for safety and timing. Mandatory kit is checked at random and includes items such as a survival bag, headlamp and a midge net for camp use.
Daily support includes at least two manned checkpoints, a mid day support point with access to the resupply dry bag and mains drinking water at camps and support points. Overnight camps provide communal meals based on a meat and fish free menu with optional dairy; participants must supply hill food for running days. Terrain is remote with limited phone signal and a medical team present at camps and support points. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
