Dragon's Back Race

Name: Dragon's Back Race
Address: Conwy, GB
Telephone: +441539760173

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Dragon's Back Race

The world's toughest mountain race - An incredible (380km, 17,400m) journey down the mountainous spine of Wales 💪 🐉 🔥

The legendary Dragon’s Back Race® follows the mountainous spine of Wales from north to south. This incredible 6-day journey is 380 kilometres long with 17,400 metres of ascent across wild, trackless, remote and mountainous terrain. It is the toughest mountain race in the world. The original Dragon’s Back Race® happened in September 1992, and ever since it has been whispered about with a mixture of

awe and trepidation. Its reputation had reached legendary status with fell, mountain and ultra runners the world over by September 2012 when the second race took place. With the modern era of races now taking place annually, the Dragon's Back Race® is respected internationally for both its bulletproof organisation and 'toughest mountain race' status.

28/05/2026

At Dragon's Back Race 2026 you can expect the same quality and support as in the past.

If you had signed up to the event before the handover, you now have just 3 days until 31st May to confirm your spot for 2026, so here's a reminder of what you can expect:

CAMPS
🏕️ 5 nights of tented accommodation at each of the overnight camps.

CATERING
🧑‍🍳 A team of catering professionals producing copious amounts of amazing hot food... you just need to bring your plate, bowl and cutlery.

🍴Breakfast, finish-line snacks, dinner every day.

🎉Celebratory meal on the last night of the event.

TEAMS
🏔️ Professional Response Team made up of Mountain Rescue team members stationed along the course to assist in case of emergency or injury.

⛑️ A team of medical professionals available for support while at the overnight camp including doctors, nurses and physiotherapists.

😁 A team of motivated, supportive and encouraging volunteers to keep you going on your journey south!

💧A manned water point where you can refill your water bottles, and a support point with a drop bag accessible everyday.

TRANSPORT
🚎 Transport to and from start and finish points for those doing the shorter Hatchling course option.

EXTRAS
🗺️ Bespoke, pre-marked waterproof Harvey map
🤳 GPS tracking that friends and family can follow along
📨 Dragon Mail, allowing friends and family to send you messages throughout the event
🐉 Legendary Dragon or Hatchling trophy for all finishers, and bespoke medals for Fire/Tail finishers

Dragon's Back Race 2026 will take place from 7th-12th September, and you have until 31st May (this Sunday) to confirm your place.

Are you ready to take on the toughest of mountain races? Head to the link in our bio to confirm your place today!

22/04/2026

The Dragon Lives On...

Ultra X Secures the Future of Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse.

Ultra X is proud to announce the acquisition of Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse out of administration, securing the future of two of the UK’s most respected and demanding endurance events.

Former Ourea Events Operations Director Greg Mickelborough has joined the Ultra X group and will be heading up the delivery of the two events. Shane Ohly, former CEO of Ourea Events, has been contracted by the group to ensure ongoing event continuity.

“I’m very pleased that Ultra X has secured the future of Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse, an organisation that shares a strong commitment to operational excellence, participant experience, and attention to detail. It is also very encouraging that Ultra X will be honouring existing entries. I’m confident this represents an exciting new chapter for both events.” said former Ourea Events CEO Shane Ohly.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse into the Ultra X family. Our priority now is to provide certainty for participants and to deliver these events in the way that people already love!,” said Ultra X co-founders Sam Heward and Jamie Sparks.

As a gesture of goodwill:

• The 2026 edition of Dragon’s Back Race will go ahead as planned in its existing format. All existing entries will be honoured.

• All entrants for the 2026 Northern Traverse will have their places transferred to the 2027 edition.

• All entrants to Cape Wrath Ultra 2026, which the Ultra X Group will not be organising, will be able to convert the fee they paid into Ultra X race credit. This credit will be redeemable against any races operated by the Ultra X group for a period of up to 3 years. That includes Dragon’s Back Race and Northern Traverse.

Full press release and details for entering the 2026/7 editions of these legendary events can be found on the respective websites.

Mae’r Ddraig yn Byw Ymlaen.

12/03/2026

‼️ Important Statement from Shane Ohly at Ourea Events ✍️

“It is with deep regret that I must announce that Ourea Events has ceased trading and is currently in discussions with professional advisors.

This is a deeply painful moment for everyone involved with the business, including our participants, staff, partners, suppliers, volunteers, and the wider trail running community that has supported our events for the last fifteen years. I am truly sorry that we have reached this point.

We are especially aware of participants who have already paid race entry fees for our events. By opting to cease trading at this stage, our goal is to maximise the likelihood that the events will continue under a different structure or ownership. We sincerely hope this approach will give the best opportunity to protect the events and, where possible, deliver value for participants and creditors.

At this stage, although it was difficult, we decided that the only responsible action was to cease trading and allow the business to undergo a reorganisation. This decision impacts all Ourea Events races scheduled for 2026, including:

🔹Northern Traverse (including the Lakes Traverse, Dales Traverse, and Moors Traverse)
🔸Cape Wrath Ultra
🔹Dragon’s Back Race
🔸Skyline Scotland

These events will not go ahead in 2026 under Ourea Events. We understand that many participants will be deeply disappointed and frustrated. Participants will be contacted in due course. We must ask you not to contact Ourea Events, as no one will be able to respond.

(Continued in comments…) ⬇️

29/01/2026

📣THE DRAGON’S BACK RACE EVENT TEAM APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN! 🎉

Want to get involved in the iconic Dragon’s Back Race? 💥 Then join the Volunteer Event Team who will be providing our runners with a great experience that they won’t forget! 🏃🏻‍♀️ 🏃🏽‍♂️

🗓️Event Team Volunteers are needed Saturday 5 - Sunday 13 September 2026

Wide variety of roles including:

✅ Camp Team
✅ Technical Services Team
✅ Aid Station & Transport Team
✅ Catering Assistants
✅ Course Operations

Enter via the 🔗https://oureaevents.sientries.co.uk/event.php?event_id=17085 (also shared to stories)

🔹Volunteers earn £1350 in event credit to spend on any of the Ourea Events races
🔸All meals provided and travel expenses reimbursed
🔹High quality event team clothing

An event like Dragon’s Back Race would not be possible without our incredible volunteers 🙌🙌 - so could this be you or someone you know in September? 🤔

Sign up today ✍️

13/01/2026

💥 NEW WEBINAR! The Three Dragon’s Back FKTs 🐉 🐉 🐉 🐉 🐉 🐉

Join our EXCLUSIVE webinar with the only three people (so far!) to have ever completed the Dragon’s Back Race Route in one continuous push 💪 - Bridget Glaister, Trish Patterson and Shane Ohly!

In this webinar they will share how each tackled the mammoth 380km route 🗺️ through the mountainous spine of Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 in very different ways and conditions!

🔹Shane Ohly - the first person to complete the route in one go
🔸Bridget Glaister - the first person to complete the route solo and unsupported
🔹Trish Patterson - the first person to complete the route in winter

💬 Expect honest stories, hard-earned lessons and inspiration for those considering the Dragon’s Back Race or their own challenge in 2026!

🗓️Wednesday 28 January 19:00 BST
🎟️ Register for free via the 34ff69cd-f0d3-4dfa-bd74-a61fe9b93f85@e2aabc00-56d1-4e99-9aee-aa9083943622 " rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/34ff69cd-f0d3-4dfa-bd74-a61fe9b93f85@e2aabc00-56d1-4e99-9aee-aa9083943622

29/10/2025

👀 Are you still deciding your bucket list race of 2026? Well look no further! 🙇🏻‍♀️

Entries are still available on the full Dragon’s Back 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🐉 , the Dragon’s Fire 🔥(entries are selling FAST!) and the Dragon’s Tail 🐉 races in 2026!

Still on the fence? 🤔 Why not check out what some of our 2025 finishers on RaceCheck had to say ⬇️

“I have been running Ultras for the last 10 years+; more or less everything from 50 - 100 milers. In my humble opinion, the DBR beats every other race hands down.” - Charlie K, Dragon’s Back Race 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5)

“It was a roller coaster of emotions, pushing me out of my comforts. The event was so well organised and the whole team were amazing.” - Teresa R, Dragon’s Back Rack 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9)

“Volunteers are just incredible. You make so many good friends along the way. You wouldn’t experience anything like it anywhere else.” - Danny G, Dragon’s Back Race 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5)

“The support from staff and volunteers was impeccable. The terrain proved to be as challenging as it was beautiful. The military like precision that camp is set up and operated helps make this adventure attainable” - Carol M, Dragon’s Back Race 2025 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9)

Will 2026 be your year to tame the dragon? 😍

Head to the website 🔗 https://www.dragonsbackrace.com or https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=128407 to secure your 2026 race entry!

📸 : .photos

24/10/2025

We are FINALISTS in the Running Industry Awards 2025! 🤩

We have been nominated for ‘boutique specialist event of the year’ in the Running Industry Awards 2025! 🏅

Are you a past Dragon 🐉 or Hatchling 🐣 or are you a Dragon in Training 💪? Or perhaps you’ve been part of our amazing Event Team or an avid dot watcher and just love what we do, then do show us your support! 🙌🙌

Head to the link 🔗 https://in.njuko.com/running-industry-awards-2025?campaign=685d5765574673a0270668fa¤tPage=select-competition

🗓️ Voting ends on 7 November.

Thank you in advance 🙏

📸: .photos

20/10/2025

Thank you 🙏 to the runners on the Dragon’s Back Race for sponsoring 122 trees with 🌳

That’s the environmental impact of 122 unwanted finisher tees avoided 👚❌

These saplings 🌱 will be supporting the reforestation work that the team are doing at Dumyat! 🌳

Want to learn more about your impact? 🤔

➡️ Head to 🔗 treesnotees.com or https://treesnottees.com/pages/our-impact #/profiles/43970/projects/plant-a-tree-in-dumyat

16/10/2025

Have you got a story to tell? 📚

Did you run the Dragon’s Back Race 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 🐉 or the Hatchling 🐣? Or maybe you’re getting ready to slay the dragon 🐉 in 2026 on the Fire, Tail or Full Dragon?

Well! If you have an interesting story whilst on the race or have/had a special reason for running then we’d like to hear from you! 🤩

We are looking for stories 💬 to feature on our Dragon’s Back Race blogs, so get in touch! 🙌

Drop us an email 📧 at [email protected]

📸: .photos

09/10/2025

📚 NEW BLOG POST - This Running World Was Foreign To Me. I Grew Up In A Council Estate In North London 🏙️

When Pamela Djima was served up one of the Dragon’s Back Race videos 🎥 (thank you YouTube algorithm!), she was hooked 👀

💬 “My parents were hard working immigrants who lacked the capacity to introduce us to the mountains ⛰️

❌ I wasn’t on the school cross-country team.
❌ I didn’t spend my holidays hiking in the hills.
❌ I didn’t know what fell running was.
❌ I’ve never seen anyone running in the mountains who looks like me.

But last month, my kids saw me 🙇🏽‍♀️ They watched me climb Tryfan 💪🏽 and they cheered for me until I disappeared into the clouds ☁️

My kids may not yet fully comprehend what it means to ‘smash a glass ceiling’. But last month they were part of something special 🙌

Read all about Pamela Djima’s experience on this year’s Dragon’s Back Race 🐉 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 in the latest blog 📚 ⬇️

🔗 https://www.dragonsbackrace.com/news/2025/race/thisworldwasforeigntome

ℹ️ At Ourea Events we are passionate about improving the level of diversity and inclusion at our races. If you are from an under-represented group and would like to find out more about some of our initiatives to either help you, or someone else in your group, participate in one of our events, please contact us 📧 [email protected]

📸: .photos

Address

Conwy

Telephone

+441539760173

Website

https://www.dragonsbackrace.com/

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