Dragon's Back Race
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Dragon's Back Race
The Dragon’s Back Race is a multi-stage mountain running event held annually in September across Wales. The Full Dragon covers 380 km with 16,400 m of ascent over six days, following a route that runs from Conwy to Cardiff. The route includes long sections of wild, remote and often trackless terrain.
The event offers alternative formats: a two-day Dragon’s Fire that focuses on the most demanding terrain, a two-day Dragon’s Tail covering the final chapters including Bannau Brycheiniog to Cardiff, and The Hatchling which allows participants to complete part of the route each day.
Navigation is unmarked on the ground. Organisers supply a Harvey Maps 1:40,000 paper map and provide GPX files; GPS devices are recommended. All participants receive a GPS tracker that must be carried on the course for safety and tracking; the tracker is not intended as a navigation interface. Mandatory kit requirements apply and random kit checks are conducted; a survival bag is required rather than a simple foil blanket.
Support includes at least two manned checkpoints each day, one mid-route support point with access to resupply dry bags and drinking water, and medical cover at overnight camps and support points. Meals at overnight camps are based on a meat and fish free menu with dairy options; participants must carry their own hill food. Mobile signal and Wi-Fi are limited in remote areas. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
