The Dragon's Back Race (Welsh: Ras Cefn y Ddraig) is a six-day ultramarathon through the mountains of Wales. The race runs approximately from Conwy Castle in North Wales to Cardiff Castle in South Wales and includes around of ascent.
The race was first held in September 1992 and was revived in September 2012 after a twenty-year absence. It was originally contested over five days, before being extended to six days in 2021. Since April 2026, the race has been organised by Ultra X, following its acquisition from the administrators of Ourea Events.
History
The inaugural Dragon's Back Race was held in September 1992. The event followed the mountainous spine of Wales and was completed over five days. After a twenty-year absence, it was revived in 2012 by Ourea Events.
The five-day race covered approximately , compared with approximately following its later extension.
In August 2020, Ourea Events announced that the 2021 edition would be extended from five days to six. The additional stage extended the race south from its previous finish at Llandeilo to Cardiff Castle.
Ourea Events administration and Ultra X acquisition
Ourea Events ceased trading in March 2026. Ourea Events Limited and Skyline Trail Races Limited subsequently entered administration, with the administrators assessing options for the future operation of the companies' events, including the Dragon's Back Race.
On 22 April 2026, endurance-event organiser Ultra X announced that it had acquired the Dragon's Back Race and the Northern Traverse from the administrators. The acquisition allowed the 2026 Dragon's Back Race to proceed on its scheduled dates, with existing entries honoured. Ultra X stated that the Dragon's Back Race would continue to operate as a separate event brand.
Winners
The winners have been as follows.
Year Men Time Women Time Days Pairs Time 1992 John Redmayne 42:59:00 – – 5 Helene Diamantides and Martin Stone 38:38:00 2012 Steve Birkinshaw 43:25:30 Helene Whitaker 49:10:05 5 2015 Jim Mann 40:08:03 Jasmin Paris 41:45:34 5 2017 Marcus Scotney 37:58:37 Carol Morgan 48:41:47 5 2019 Galen Reynolds 37:48:06 Lisa Watson 44:33:23 5 2021 Simon Roberts 45:42:11 Katie Mills 61:12:54 6 2022 James Nobles 50:40:23 Lisa Watson 53:46:22 6 2023 Hugh Chatfield 47:38:44 Robyn Cassidy 54:25:05 6 2024 Max King 45:39:19 Jo Meek 63:30:11 6
Course
The full course covers approximately over six days, with around of ascent.
Day Distance Vertical gain Details 1 From Conwy Castle through the Carneddau, Tryfan, the Glyderau, the Crib Goch ridge and the Snowdon Horseshoe, finishing at Nant Gwynant. 2 Through Cnicht, the Moelwynion and the Rhinogydd. 3 Through Dolgellau, over Cadair Idris and into the Cambrian Mountains. The route passes through Machynlleth before ascending Pen Pumlumon Fawr, the highest point in the Cambrian Mountains at . 4 Through the Elan Valley before finishing at Rhandirmwyn. 5 Through the Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan, before finishing at Talybont-on-Usk. 6 Through the South Wales valleys to Merthyr Tydfil, followed by the Taff Trail and River Taff to Cardiff Castle.
Sponsorship
The race was sponsored by Berghaus in 2015, 2017 and 2019, and by Montane in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
References
Footnotes
Sources
External links