Day 5: Wet, windy and brutal – but we’re nearly there
Day five proved to be a tough day for many runners although to start with the majority were very upbeat. By the end, having covered 70km and a total ascent of 3200m, on top of the previous four days of running, many participants admitted they were feeling tired and in pain. The day was described as “brutal”, “immense” and “horrendous”.
A total of just 101 competitors – and 75 non-competitive – were on the start line at Towy Bridge Inn, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery.
At first, the route took in a track and then a long stretch of road. At Llandovery, runners were delighted to be able to visit shops again. La Patisserie was very popular.
Local man, Darren Hartley (108) had been greatly looking forward to running through the town. He said: “I am going to get two pasties. They make the best pasties in all of South and Mid Wales.”
Nathan Welch (133) was also happy. He said: “I am looking forward to buying something so I can enjoy eating it this afternoon to keep me going.”
Mark Blythe (360) had bought a pork pie and a double shot latte. He said: “This will keep me going. I knew the bakery was here so I was looking forward to it.”
Dan Horton (84) added: “I can’t resist going in. It is a bit overwhelming, all this food.”
Jonathan Naylor (141) was being asked by his friend if they had time to stop at the cafe. He replied: “Yes, we are an hour ahead of schedule. Of course, we have time for this.”
The road section made Sophie Littlefair smile. She said: “Twenty years road running in London are paying off today. I am feeling good today. It is actually a relief to have this weather.”
Running through the mist on day 5. © No Limits Photography
Many runners said they preferred the wet and chill to the hot sun earlier in the week. © No Limits Photography
Wind, rain and cloud on first hill
The first summit of the day, Fan Brycheiniog, just above Lln y Fan Fawr, was shrouded in low cloud and mist. Wind and rain made conditions miserable. However, most runners said they would prefer the wet and cooler temperatures to the hot sun earlier in the week.
Chloe Lumsdon (5) and Jenny Rice (4) were running together again today. As they reached CP4 at the summit trig, Chloe said: “I am in my element today and my stomach has settled so I can run. It is much better.”
Jenny said: “I am getting cold but I am happy to be running with Chloe again.”
Belgian friends Filip Peeters (306) and Mathias De Ferm (304) said they were fine if they kept moving. Filip said: “It could be better but it’s okay.”
Richard Ward (274), UK, was trying to put a brave face on the day. He said: “I am in pain and I am not fit enough for this race. It is fantastic training though. I am looking forward to a cappuccino at the end.”
Raissa de Guzman (253), Philippines, admitted she was cold. She said: “I am not so happy in the cold but it’s okay. I am here because I really wanted to do this and I am looking forward to a nice cold pint of coke at the end.”
Jane Hilton (277), UK, was delighted to be running again. She said: “I am feeling good for the first time in five days because I am not feeling sick. I am just so happy to be out here whatever the weather.”
It was a long day with plenty of summits on day five. © No Limits Photography
Daniel Hart (236), UK, said: “I am a bit weary but not too shabby considering.”
Michael Clayton (89), UK, said: “This is the sort of terrain I love running on. I am off the road and I like the terrain. It is a good day for me.”
Darren Greasley (171), UK, said: “The temperature suits me today. I like the rain, wind and clouds.”
Tim Tapper (290), UK, admitted it was “a bit nasty up on the summit and in the mist”. He added: “It is cooler but a tough stretch getting over the first summit and down.”
Will Kernick (358), UK, said: “Things are so much better for me at this point in the race. I was going to sack it at Cadair Idris on day three due to painful knee ligaments. I just had to get a grip. Today is great. I am still going.”
Chris Taylor (265) was in a philosophical mood. He said: "There is nowhere else I’d rather be. The Dragon’s Back is a myth of a race and you build it up so much and you think it is going to be this tough and awful experience and, sure it hurts at times, but I just think how privileged I am to be here.
“If I think of it as being hard then it will be hard but I have reframed it in my thoughts. I am not trying to get through it but I am enjoying a holiday. I mean, I could be at work but I am here doing this enjoyable race. There is genuinely nowhere else I would rather be.”
The route was described as brutal and immense today. © No Limits Photography
Hard day 5 - but are looking forward to reaching Cardiff
The day continued with a sting in the Dragon’s tail as the runners faced a traverse from the Black Mountains to the Brecon Beacons. Summit after summit, including the highest in South Wales, Pen y Fan, tested legs and mental resolve. The final descent to Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, was described as horrendous.
Many runners had their sights firmly focused on reaching the finish line in Cardiff tomorrow. It is likely to be emotional, especially for those being meet by family and friends. Many talked about what has been keeping them going in the race.
Mark Blythe (360), UK, said: “What keeps me going is the finish so I don’t have to do this again! But today was horrific. It was 74km and 3500m of climb on day five of the hardest race and it is just in a different league. I did it with hours before cut-off but it was immense.”
Lee Lawrence (362), UK, said: “My wife will be there in Cardiff. It has been a good week but very long days in the hills and that starts to wear you down after a few days. I am looking forward to finishing.”
Geoff Capps (129), England, said: “I really hope to make it to Cardiff tomorrow. I will see my mum and that has been keeping me going.”
After Chris Taylor crossed the finish line today he burst into tears. He said: “I had been so long alone and I cried my heart out for about 15 minutes. Then I felt fine.”
Chloe Lumsdon (5), UK, said: “I really enjoyed today. It has probably been my best day. It was really fun. I think I have finally recovered from heatstroke.
“I am not competitive anymore because I couldn’t hack the heat. But it was the best decision to rest and recover. I have been able to enjoy the rest of the course. I have learned so much.”
Colin Brearley (214), UK, said: “I have a sore quad. I just tweaked it. Hopefully with a bit of rest it will be okay. I expect it will be emotional getting to Cardiff although it is still a long way and now I am worried about my calf.”
Orran Smith (57), UK, said: “It was tough today. I had a bit of a problem with my quad. I could climb but not descend. I had to walk and push through. I am relieved for today but I still have to get through tomorrow.”
Michael Clayton (89), UK, said: “I have a sore quad. It was a little bit sore but the last descent is steep and my quad has gone. I am looking forward to tomorrow and getting to Cardiff. It has been a long journey.”
Richard Staite (335), UK, said: “It was good today. I am looking forward to the last day and I am looking forward to seeing my family and sleeping in a hotel and having a shower. Hopefully I will get there.”
Some of the event’s rescue team out in the hills today. © No Limits Photography
The runners push on. © No Limits Photography
A runner is thrilled to see his family on the course. © No Limits Photography
‘I wanted to see how far I could push myself’
Daniel Wood (72), who is from South Wales, said: “I am not in the race anymore as I had to stop on day two due to painful blisters, but I still want to get to Cardiff. I am 43 and this race is a bit of a mid-life crisis thing.
“I wanted to do something bad ass and this is it. And while I have missed the second half of day two and day three, what is keeping me going is I am running home and I want to see my family and friends.
“But more importantly, it is achieving something. I want to know how far I can push myself and what it feels like once I have got over that limit. I have been there a few times this week and it is interesting how I responded and carried on.
“I’m just try to keep moving. It is not an option now to stop. I had to sort my blisters and take care of my feet. They still hurt on certain sections and that is when I hit a low point.
“It is more than just fitness this race. My legs feel great and I feel fresh but it is small things like my ankles not being strong enough. That comes from weakness in one area.
“You also need to have race knowledge for this sort of event - such as how to look after your feet – and how to deal with dehydration on a hot day. It is more than fitness and more than mental determination, it is the little things that will stop you. Small weaknesses in your body.
“I am happy and proud and pleased, even though I won’t get a trophy in the end. I am hoping to come back again.”
Final day: To Cardiff Castle
The runners still have 63km and 1300m of ascent to finally reach Cardiff castle. It will be the first time that the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® has finished in Cardiff Castle.