Dragon's Back Race

Prestatyn, United Kingdom

Expected September 2027

Our best guess from a single past year. We'll firm it up when the organiser confirms.

Choose your distance

380K

Distance

380km

Climb

Mountainous·16,400m

Start Time

06:00

Cutoff

22:00 daily

Terrain

Trail

From last year's edition. Details may change once confirmed.

Overview

Join the Dragon's Back Race from September 7-12, 2026, in Prestatyn, Clwyd. Conquer 380 km of stunning Welsh mountains with thrilling challenges.

Start at Conwy Castle
Finish at Cardiff Castle
Traverse Snowdonia, Cambrian Mountains, Brecon Beacons
380 km with 16,400 m ascent
Bespoke waterproof Harvey map provided
GPS tracking for safety and family

The practical side

Start / Finish

Start

Conwy Castle

Finish

Cardiff Castle

Terrain

Technical mountain terrain, steep ascents, rugged peaks of Snowdonia, remote Cambrian Mountains, Brecon Beacons

Route

From Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, traversing the mountainous spine of Wales. Covers approximately 380 km with over 16,000 metres of ascent. Includes Carneddau, Glyderau, Tryfan, Crib Goch, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Rhinogydd, Cadair Idris, Cambrian Mountains, Elan Valley, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons), and valleys into Cardiff.

Good to know

What to bring

Map (Harvey map provided)

Compass

Head torch with spare batteries

Whistle

Emergency shelter (bivvy bag or bothy bag)

Waterproof jacket with taped seams

Waterproof trousers

Hat and gloves

Mobile phone (fully charged)

First aid kit (minimum: blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, tape)

Food and water for the day (minimum 1 litre capacity)

Race number (provided)

Recommended

What you get

Finisher medal

Finisher t-shirt

Chip timing

5 nights tented accommodation

Participant marquee

Volunteer support

Info point

Mail Dragon Mail service

Charging stations

GPS tracking

Bespoke waterproof Harvey map

Digital map access

Transport of dry bags

Resupply dry bags

Manned water point daily

Transport to start/from finish for Hatchling

Onward transport if retire

Return transport Cardiff to Conwy

Free transfer bag up to 23kg

Legendary dragon trophy or Hatchling trophy

Participant T-shirt

Medical team

Mountain Rescue response team

GPX file of route

Food after the finishCopious quantities of breakfast, finishing snacks and dinner each day. Unlimited tea, coffee and hot and cold water. Restaurant celebratory meal on last night.

On the day

Toilets

Bag drop

Food vendors

Marshals on course

ShuttleReturn transport from Cardiff to Conwy after finish or before start. Free transport of transfer bag up to 23kg from Conwy to Cardiff.

Public transportReturn transport from Cardiff to Conwy is provided after the finish or before the start. Free transfer of a bag up to 23kg from Conwy to Cardiff is available.

First aid on courseYes, a team of medical professionals (doctors, nurses, physiotherapists) is available at overnight camps, and a professional Mountain Rescue response team is stationed along the course.

Aid stationsOgwen Valley (Support Point), 29 km · Pen-y-Pass (Water Point), 37 km · Cwm Bychan (Support Point), 37 km · Maentwrog (Water Point), 19 km · Machynlleth (Support Point), 40 km · Elan Village (Support Point), 33 km · Cray Reservoir (Support Point), 39 km · Trelewis (Support Point), 34 km

Course markingYes, participants must navigate using map and GPS tracking. A bespoke waterproof annotated Harvey map is provided.

Before you enter

RefundsRefund protection is available through XCover for an additional fee, covering injury/illness, adverse weather, public transport disruption, and breakdown/accident.

Minimum ageParticipants must be aged 20 or older on race day.

Time limitThe daily cutoff is 22:00 each day. Specific checkpoint cutoffs are provided on the route page.

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Dragon's Back Race

Overview

The practical side

Good to know

What are the different race options?

What kind of terrain can I expect?

Can friends and family track my progress?

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