Ceri Rees explains the history and terrain of the Dragons Back race – and what you need to tackle it

The Dragons Back is a 315k mountain run which has already attracted legendary status as the beast of all endurance events. Unlike many events of this type, that reputation that is fully justified. It was first held in 1992, when Martin Stone and Helen Diamantedes completed the 16,000m of ascent from Conwy Castle to Carreg Cennen Castle. Only 15 pairs and six solo runners followed them across the line at the end of the five days. The race was revived in 2012. In 2015 only 65 people finished the race. This is strictly for serious endurance athletes. Or so I thought, until a series of group recces acquainted me with a handful of fellow ‘dragons’. We come from all walks of life and fit in training around family and work. There is one thing we all share however, which is the sense of awe we have for the challenge we have taken on.

It can be a ruthlessly exposing event, challenging your self sufficiency and navigation skills to the max, quite apart from the physical endeavour. No assistance is allowed along the route or at the evening base camp and you can even be disqualified for sneaking a roll in to your bag from the catering van.

I began my training with early morning 90 minute runs in the dead of a Dartmoor winter. At the end of a 20 mile bog run, I questioned how I was going to double this distance, add on an extra 3,000m of ascent per day and repeat five times over.



Facebook Twitter Pinterest Would-be dragon slayers in the Elan Valley Photograph: Ceri Rees

Whenever work or family life has permitted it, our merry band has met up. Since February, those of us lucky enough to live in the UK but not in close proximity to the Welsh mountains, have been journeying up or down the M5 corridor to knock off chunks of each leg. GPX downloads, shoe changes, foot hygiene and cake have become regular topics of conversation on the official Facebook page. My navigation and packing skills have improved considerably.

Perhaps the biggest scale on the spine of the Dragon’s Back is getting your head around the sheer volume of ascent and mileage every day. Day one alone includes 3,800m of ascent. Thankfully the organisers, Ourea Events, have left no stone unturned. Their checkpoints, often placed on mountain summits by trig points or cairns, are intended to be logical waymarks rather than complicated puzzles. Unlike the first participants, most of us will be wearing GPS devices, strapped to our wrists like invisible shields.

The early stages are defined by their technical difficulty and rocky descents, while Day 3 to 5 involve vast horizons which stretch out in front of you as vast tussocky planes, making the several checkpoints on each stage quite possible to miss. Overshoot one and you have to retrace your steps or get disqualified. No mercy will be shown by the race organisers.

A challenge such as this involves bringing someone else along with you, whether you like it or not. Our nearest and dearest have to suffer the weekends away on recces, and ‘another’ box of shoes arriving. Kit, kit and more kit. For one of the cheapest sports around, there certainly seems to be a lot of it for this odyssey. These feet have already been through two pairs of shoes on successive recce weekends.



We’ve all got our own dragons to slay. One friend is doing it to raise money for a cancer charity because his wife has second stage cancer. Another recently split with his wife and doesn’t want to sit around moping. Another was eliminated on Day three in the 2015 event after missing the cut off. He has the lame excuse of having an artificial hip.

I decided early on that I needed another form of motivation, so made the decision to raise money for Mind. I feel privileged to have an opportunity to share such a life enhancing journey, with super motivated and determined characters. Whether we make it or not, collectively and as individuals, we are a tiny bit closer to becoming dragon slayers.

What kit do you need?

Good shoes: The most crucial of all the kit. I have chosen the INOV-8 X-Talons 212 for their grip and responsiveness and will be inserting my own fleece insoles for extra comfort. While the Inov8 Terraclaw will provide a bit of extra cushioning for the tarmac stretches and trails in the latter half of the week.



A running backpack: Packs need to be durable, capable of storing enough food and water and other mandatory kit, which includes taped seemed over layers, the five day bespoke map, a compass and survival blanket. I’m using the Ultimate Direction PB 3.0, which is lightweight and surprisingly roomy.

A reliable GPS watch with enough battery life to last multiple 10 to 14 hour days: A popular choice is the Suunto Ambit (I use the Peak) and the Garmin Fenix, which both have excellent navigation features for following routes. An accurate altimeter and the ability to display checkpoints are essential features. A mastery of the software is also a pre requisite.

Several pairs of comfortable socks: Since it is British terrain our feet will be dealing with, I’ve gone British and will be wearing Sock Mine’s very comfortable fell socks.

A good blister kit: The organisers do bespoke supplies.

Poles: These are optional but Black Diamond (z pole) Mountain Kings are the ones I would choose.

Ceri is raising money for MIND. You can follow his progress at berghausdragonsbackrace.com or wildrunning.co.uk

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