Dragon's Back Race
Datec.September
LocationWales
Event typeMulti-day trail
Distance236 miles (380 km)
EstablishedSeptember 1992 (1992-09)
Official sitewww.dragonsbackrace.com

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.

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 Pairs Time
1992 John Redmayne 42:59:00 Helene Diamantides and Martin Stone 38:38:00
2012 Steve Birkinshaw 43:25:30 Helene Whitaker 49:10:05
2015 Jim Mann 40:08:03 Jasmin Paris 41:45:34
2017 Marcus Scotney 37:58:37 Carol Morgan 48:41:47
2019 Galen Reynolds 37:48:06 Lisa Watson 44:33:23
2021 Simon Roberts 45:42:11 Katie Mills 61:12:54
2022 James Nobles 50:40:23 Lisa Watson 53:46:22
2023 Hugh Chatfield 47:38:44 Robyn Cassidy 54:25:05

2021 Route

The distance was 236 miles (380 km) covered in six days.[3] The first day leg, 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 two, 36 miles (58 km) with 3,400 metres (11,200 ft) vertical climb, routes via Cnicht, Moelwynion, Rhinogydd mountains.[8] The third leg, length 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] The day 4 leg is 70 kilometres (43 mi) over much flatter terrain with views through the Elan Valley,[13] and ends at Rhandirmwyn.[14] Day five, 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] The final day is 40 miles (64 km),[17] through the valleys to Merthyr Tydfil, then along the Taff trail and River Taff to Cardiff Castle.[18]

References

Footnotes

  1. ↑ "Montane Dragon's Back Race® - The World's Toughest Mountain Race - Ras Cefn y Ddraig". Montane Dragon's Back Race®.
  2. ↑ Delamere 2015.
  3. 1 2 Morgan 2021, 1m 10s.
  4. ↑ "2021 Results". Montane Dragon's Back Race®.
  5. ↑ Morgan 2021, 3m 58s.
  6. ↑ Morgan 2021, 2m 40s.
  7. ↑ Morgan 2021, 1m 16s.
  8. ↑ Morgan 2021, 12m 25s.
  9. ↑ Morgan 2021, 20m 50s.
  10. ↑ Morgan 2021, 22m 57s.
  11. ↑ Morgan 2021, 23m 38s.
  12. ↑ Morgan 2021, 24m 0s.
  13. ↑ Morgan 2021, 26m 46s.
  14. ↑ Morgan 2021, 35m 8s.
  15. ↑ Morgan 2021, 37m 57s.
  16. ↑ Morgan 2021, 37m 20s.
  17. ↑ Morgan 2021, 47m 48s.
  18. ↑ Morgan 2021, 48m 40s.

Sources


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