Dragon's Back Race is a 380km / 5 stages ultra marathon in Conwy, United Kingdom. Distance: 380km. Elevation: 17,000m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 75/100). DNF rate: 30%. Time limit: 72h. Surface: off-trail. Established 2012.
Dragon's Back Race
Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom
"380km along the mountainous spine of Wales in 5 days. Pathless, navigational, and almost certainly wet."
Britain's toughest multi-stage race — a 5-day navigation challenge along the entire mountain spine of Wales.
The Course
A 5-day journey along the mountainous spine of Wales from north to south. Much of the route is pathless mountain terrain requiring navigation. The course traverses Snowdonia, the Rhinogs, Cadair Idris, the Brecon Beacons, and finishes at Cardiff Castle.
mountainous
point-to-point
5
Runner Experience
Remote course with widely spaced aid points. Runners should be prepared for long unsupported stretches.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. Dragon's Back Race is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
12°C
5° – 18°
85%
75%
Welsh mountain weather — rain, wind, and low cloud are almost guaranteed. Clear days are a bonus.
Stats & Records
2012
200
60:00:00
Entry
£995
October
days
Lore & Trivia
The Dragon's Back Race traverses the entire mountainous spine of Wales in 5 days — 315km from Conwy Castle in the north to Cardiff Castle in the south. First run in 1992 and then not again until 2012, it's one of the few multi-day mountain races that follows a genuine geographic line rather than a loop. The route crosses Snowdonia, the Rhinogydd, Cadair Idris, the Brecon Beacons, and the Black Mountains — all of Wales' major ranges in sequence. Welsh mountain weather is notoriously hostile: low cloud, driving rain, and wind that makes navigation with map and compass a core survival skill.
- ▸ The original Dragon's Back Race was held just once in 1992 — it took 20 years to revive it.
- ▸ The course requires genuine mountain navigation skills — GPS is for emergency only, map and compass are mandatory.
- ▸ Runners camp in communal tents at the end of each stage, creating an intense community atmosphere.
- ▸ The Rhinog mountains on Stage 2 are considered some of the roughest terrain in the UK — ankle-breaking, pathless boulderfields.
Five days, the entire spine of Wales, and the weather decides whether you live or die. That's the Dragon's Back.
Notable Editions
The First — and Only — Dragon's Back
The original 1992 Dragon's Back Race was so tough and logistically complex that it wasn't held again for 20 years. Only Helene Diamantides and Martin Stone finished within the time limit. The race became legendary in its absence — a one-off that took two decades to restart.
The Return
Twenty years after the first edition, the Dragon's Back Race returned. Modern runners were better trained and equipped, but Wales's mountains hadn't changed. The race immediately sold out and has done so every year since.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Dragon's Back Race? +
Dragon's Back Race is a 380km / 5 stages (380km) ultra marathon with 17,000m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on off-trail terrain.
How hard is Dragon's Back Race? +
Dragon's Back Race is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 75/100 (Demanding). The DNF rate is 30%. Runners have 72 hours to finish.
How do I enter Dragon's Back Race? +
Must demonstrate mountain navigation skills and ultra running experience.. Entry costs £995.
What is the weather like at Dragon's Back Race? +
Average temperature is 12°C (range 5°C to 18°C) with 85% humidity and a 75% chance of rain. Welsh mountain weather — rain, wind, and low cloud are almost guaranteed. Clear days are a bonus.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Dragon's Back Race? +
No crew access is permitted. Pacers are not allowed. Mandatory gear is required. Self-navigation is required.
What is the average finish time for Dragon's Back Race? +
The average finish time is 60:00:00. About 200 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 30%.
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