Montane Dragon's Back Race

SEP

7-12

2026

A six day self supported multistage race down the spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, covering 380 km and 17,400 m of ascent. Two day northern and southern options offer condensed sections of the same route.

7-12 Sep 2026

Conwy, Wales

Website

380 kilometers

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Dragon's Back Race

Dragon’s Back Race is a multistage, multiday mountain running event that follows the spine of Wales from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle. The modern race was revived in 2012, twenty years after the original 1992 edition.

The main route crosses major mountain ranges including the Brecon Beacons, Cambrian Mountains, Rhinogs, Moelwyns and Snowdonia. Navigation on the route is unmarked and competitors are self supported within the event's safety frameworks. The format requires route finding, mountain judgement and sustained daily progress over six days.

Two shorter challenges use sections of the main route. Dragon’s Fire covers northern mountains such as the Carneddau, Glyderau and the Snowdon massif and includes the Rhinogs. Dragon’s Tail covers the southern stages across the Brecon Beacons and the Cambrian Mountains. Each shorter event lasts two days and presents the same unmarked, self supported approach on condensed stages.

Next scheduled event dates are 7th to 12th September 2026.

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