The Dragon's Back Race: The Toughest Multi-Day Trail Race in the World

via https://www.dragonsbackrace.com/

The Dragon’s Back Race, often hailed as one of the hardest multi-day trail races in the world, is a grueling five-day ultramarathon that tests even the most seasoned trail runners. Held every two years, this iconic race takes participants through the rugged spine of Wales, covering over 236 miles (380 kilometers) with nearly 57,000 feet (17,400 meters) of elevation gain. Known for its brutal climbs, technical descents, and unpredictable weather, the Dragon's Back Race is not just a test of endurance—it’s a battle of mental strength and navigation skills.

Since its inception in 1992, the Dragon's Back Race has captured the imagination of the trail running community, earning a reputation as one of the most prestigious and challenging ultramarathons in the world. Here’s everything you need to know about this legendary race and why it continues to push runners to their absolute limits.

What is the Dragon’s Back Race?

The Dragon's Back Race is a multi-day stage race that takes runners across the mountainous spine of Wales, from Conwy Castle in the north to Cardiff Castle in the south. The race follows a highly technical and scenic route, featuring steep ridges, rocky trails, and remote wilderness areas that demand both physical and mental resilience.

While the original event took place in 1992, the race was revived in 2012 and has since grown into one of the most respected ultra-endurance challenges in the world.

Race Format

The Dragon’s Back Race is divided into five stages, each covering a significant portion of Wales’s rugged terrain.

Stage Breakdown (Approximate Distances and Elevation)

1. Stage 1:

   • Distance: ~32 miles (52 km)

   • Elevation Gain: ~12,000 feet (3,800 m)

   • Notable Feature: Includes Crib Goch, a knife-edge ridge on Snowdon, one of the most challenging sections of the race.

2. Stage 2:

   • Distance: ~37 miles (60 km)

   • Elevation Gain: ~10,500 feet (3,200 m)

   • Notable Feature: Traverses remote valleys and technical trails in Snowdonia National Park.

3. Stage 3:

   • Distance: ~42 miles (68 km)

   • Elevation Gain: ~8,200 feet (2,500 m)

   • Notable Feature: Features long climbs and rough terrain in mid-Wales.

4. Stage 4:

   • Distance: ~44 miles (71 km)

   • Elevation Gain: ~8,500 feet (2,600 m)

   • Notable Feature: Remote moorlands and river crossings, where navigation becomes critical.

5. Stage 5:

   • Distance: ~40 miles (65 km)

   • Elevation Gain: ~6,500 feet (2,000 m)

   • Notable Feature: Climaxes with a triumphant finish at Cardiff Castle, after traversing the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park.

Key Features That Make It Tough

1. Brutal Terrain

The Dragon’s Back Race doesn’t follow smooth trails or roads. Instead, runners must navigate steep ridgelines, rocky paths, and boggy moorlands. Many sections are highly technical, requiring not only endurance but also careful footwork and concentration.

2. Extreme Elevation

The race’s 57,000 feet of elevation gain is equivalent to climbing Mount Everest nearly twice over five days. The steep ascents and descents take a heavy toll on runners’ legs, testing their stamina and climbing strength.

3. Unpredictable Weather

Wales is infamous for its erratic weather. Runners often face torrential rain, gale-force winds, and freezing temperatures in the mountains, adding an extra layer of difficulty. Visibility can drop to near zero in fog, making navigation even more challenging.

4. Navigation Challenges

Unlike many other ultramarathons, the Dragon’s Back Race doesn’t follow a marked course. Runners must rely on maps, compasses, and GPS devices to stay on track. A small navigational mistake can add extra miles and hours to an already grueling day.

5. Self-Sufficiency

While aid stations are available, runners must carry their own gear, including waterproofs, emergency supplies, and navigation tools. This adds extra weight to their packs, making the climbs and descents even harder.

History of the Dragon’s Back Race

The Dragon’s Back Race was first held in 1992, organized by legendary British mountaineer and race director Martin Stone. That inaugural event was described as "ahead of its time" due to its extreme difficulty. Only a handful of runners finished the race, and it wasn’t held again until 2012, when it was revived by Shane Ohly and Ourea Events.

Since then, the Dragon’s Back Race has grown in popularity, attracting elite athletes and adventurous runners from around the world. Despite its increased accessibility, the race maintains its reputation as one of the toughest endurance challenges on Earth.

Notable Performances

1. Jasmin Paris (2019 Winner)

British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris, known for her dominance in mountain running, won the 2019 Dragon’s Back Race outright, beating all the men and women in the field. Her total time of 37 hours, 16 minutes remains one of the most impressive performances in the race’s history. Paris’s win underscored the growing prominence of women in ultra-endurance events and cemented her status as one of the sport’s greatest athletes.

2. Lisa Watson (2017 Winner)

Lisa Watson, another standout British ultrarunner, won the women’s division in 2017, completing the brutal course with remarkable composure and strength.

3. Damian Hall (Elite Competitor)

British ultrarunner Damian Hall, known for his FKTs and achievements at UTMB, has also competed in the Dragon's Back Race, further demonstrating its appeal to the world's top trail athletes.

What Makes the Dragon’s Back Race Special?

The Dragon’s Back Race isn’t just about the challenge—it’s about the experience. Participants often describe the race as life-changing, not only because of the physical feat but also because of the stunning landscapes and camaraderie among runners.

Scenic Beauty

From the knife-edge ridge of Crib Goch to the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, the Dragon’s Back Race showcases some of Wales’s most spectacular landscapes. It’s a chance for runners to connect with nature and experience the country’s rugged beauty in a way few others can.

Community Spirit

Despite the intensity of the race, the Dragon’s Back fosters a supportive and inclusive environment. Runners encourage each other on the trails, and the camaraderie at the overnight camps creates a sense of shared purpose and accomplishment.

Who Is the Dragon’s Back Race For?

The Dragon’s Back Race is not for the faint-hearted. It requires months—if not years—of training, especially for runners who are new to mountain or multi-day ultramarathons. Here’s what it takes to succeed:

• Physical Fitness: Strong endurance and hill-climbing ability are essential.

• Mental Toughness: The race demands the ability to stay positive and focused, even when facing extreme fatigue and tough conditions.

• Navigation Skills: A strong grasp of map reading and compass use is critical, especially in foggy or low-visibility conditions.

• Experience: Previous ultramarathon or mountain-running experience is highly recommended.