Guidance for supporters
Supporting at the event
The Start - Conwy
Registration and the participant briefing take place at Ysgol Porth Y Felin school in Conwy. Friends and family are welcome onto the school grounds but not inside the registration or briefing marquees.
The welcome meal on the evening before the start is for participants and Event Team only.
Friends and family are welcome to support at the start from Conwy Castle. There will be access for spectators to watch the start from the top of the castle walls.
Cheering on at the start of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® inside the walls of Conwy Castle ©No Limits Photography
During the Event
It is important for supporters to be aware of the Event Rules which state that participants should not receive outside support, such as friends/family providing assistance or food, and contravening these rules will result in severe penalties. Supporters can however intercept participants along the route to cheer them on.
We would suggest the following places for great cheering on points!
Day 1
Llyy Ogwen (likely to be very busy)
Pen-y-pass (note that you have to pre-book parking)
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
If you want to support along the route away from the suggested locations, make sure to familiarise yourself with the information on the Guidance on exploring the race route pre-event page.
Overnight camps
Please remember! It is forbidden for supporters to enter the overnight camps on any day of the event.
Perhaps you will spot some Dragons running through the village of Machynlleth on day 3!
©No Limits Photography
The Finish - Cardiff
Friends and family are very welcome!
We are planning a pretty special finish at Cardiff castle including a big screen TV, live race commentary and bar. We also have tasty food options including Little Dragon Pizza and The Pie Box.
We would like to welcome supporters from around 12.00 on Saturday 9th September. On arrival, they should head to our info point inside the castle walls to collect a wrist band - this will allow supporters to stay inside the castle after it closes to the general public at 18:00.
The castle doors will close from 18:00, but there will be a security guard ready to allow access for supporters with the correct wristband. For anyone planning to arrive after 18:00, your wristband can be collected at the main entry gate.
First finishers are expected at around 13:00. The event films are being screened from 17:30, and the prize giving will begin around 19:30.
The castle grounds will close around 22:00.
Camping is available inside the castle walls on the final evening - only for participants.
Due to the iconic status of Cardiff Castle, and the current high national security threat level, additional security measures may be in place for spectators and visiting members of public. We therefore kindly ask you help us by doing the following:
Be patient with any security checks and help the staff to help you. We know it is inconvenient, but they are there to keep you safe.
Please be cooperative with Security personnel if you are required to have your bag searched upon entry to Cardiff Castle. This request is to help ensure the safety of the event.
Minimise what you carry, as fewer bag searches will speed up your entry to the Castle.
Be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a member of Security right away.
If you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, tell a member of Security immediately.
Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare and never agree to look after anyone else’s bags.
In an emergency, listen to the Public Address instructions and follow them.
If told to evacuate, do so immediately, do not wait around to film events on your mobile.
Move right away from the Castle grounds as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles.
Once you are safe, follow South Wales Police on Twitter (@swpolice) for updates.
Share some special moments at the finish line of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race!
©No Limits Photography
Supporting virtually
Via the GPS Tracker
Watching from home is best done via the GPS Tracker. All participants will carry a small GPS Tracker device which will allow Race Control to keep a safe eye on everyone. However, friends and family will also be able to ‘dot watch’ and follow each participant in real time as they journey along the route on their way to Cardiff Castle. We will share the link to the GPS Tracker closer to the event.
Via Dragon Mail™
Dragon Mail™ is a service which allows friends and family to send messages of support to specific runners during the week. These messages will be distributed by the Event Team at the overnight camps. Details on how to use Dragon Mail™ will be shared with active participants just before the event.
Race Coverage
There will be daily highlight films of all the action - plus, plenty of further race coverage to enjoy via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and blog posts in the news section of the website.
Watch our daily highlight films and be part of the action! ©No Limits Photography