Day 4: Tussocks, tarmac, tears… but also a lot of smiles
Most runners on day four of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® 2021 enjoyed the more runnable terrain. While the hills were boggy and tussocky in places and low cloud meant navigation was trickier, the smiles revealed a more up-beat mood.
The high temperatures of previous days had reduced to an overall cooler day, although there were periods of high humidity in the valleys. Numerous heavy downpours were welcomed by many people, who were happier to be rained on than baked by the sun. There had been the threat of thunderstorms but, fortunately, they didn't materialise in Mid-Wales.
A course of 69km from Ceredigion and through the beautiful Elan Valley to Towy Bridge Inn, Rhandirmwyn, Llandovery, took in a total ascent of 2300m, which was at least 1000m less than the past three days. There were also long stretches of tarmac and while hard underfoot, the overall easier terrain meant participants covered the distance relatively quickly.
At the start of the day, there were 103 competitive runners and 85 taking part as non-competitors.
Low cloud made navigation tricky at times. @ No Limits Photography
Runners in the hills today. @ No Limits Photography
We’re happier: It’s cooler and easier
Speaking to the runners on the course on day four revealed a range of emotions and experiences.
Sam Lloyd (13), UK, said: “It is cooler today. It is more Welsh!”
Morten Ellis (296), England, was happy. He said: “Today is not as hot and the terrain is better.”
Alan Jeffrey (161), Scotland, said: “I am doing a lot better after having something to eat. I have wet feet and I am scared to assess the damage but I think it has been going well today. The weather is better today.
“The other part about the race that I like is that I am meeting lots of people. I am enjoying the social side.”
Kate Worthington (12 ), UK, said: “I am feeling a lot better today because it is not as hot.”
Chris Collins (121), UK, said: “It is like a rollercoaster of emotions today. I am looking forward to seeing my family tomorrow and that is keeping me going but I have been close to tears a few times. I am not normally a blubber but this race is emotional.
Lee Lawrence (362), UK, said: “Today there was boggy and rough terrain and it is hard to be fast over that but it is much cooler and that is good.”
Smiling runners on today’s course. @ No Limits Photography
A runner arrives at the Support Point. @ No Limits Photography
Time to sit and eat at the Support Point, where runners can access their day kit bag. @ No Limits Photography
Darren Hartley (108), UK, said: “The tussocks and muddy bogs are hard today.”
Daniel Wood (72), UK, said: “I have been over on my ankles about 57 times. I wish I had done more training in the fells to stengthen my ankles.”
Zoe Murphy (21), UK, said: “Today is going ok. My legs are tired but I’m okay. There were some slow bits on the tussocks but then I got on to the road and I ticked along. It is better than yesterday, I had heat stroke the day before so yesterday was a tough one.
“For me., today is about damage limitation because tomorrow is going to be a big day. I am trying to keep today steady.”
Jason Jones (122), UK, said: “The navigation is a bit vague in the Elan Valley today.”
There was plenty of road on day four. @ No Limits Photography
Finish line highs
Scott Brown (64), Scotland, enjoyed the day’s running. He revealed he has learned some lessons from previous days and now starts slower with the aim of being a steadier runner overall.
He said: “I enjoyed the running and there was a lot of running today. I didn’t mind the terrain. I hurt my ankle last year so I was a wee bit nervous on the tussocky hill sections but overall it was a great day.”
Chris Taylor (265), UK, said: “It was very muggy at the start of the day and there was a fair bit of rain but it was an easier day and more runnable. So it was quicker and that means there is more time for recovery.”
Chris Brookman (365), UK, found it to be a tough day. He said: “There was a lot of tarmac, which meant it was harder on the feet but at least you could move a bit quicker. The hills were much easier to get over, despite the tussocky sections, and they were a lot easier than the mountain days.
“The last 10 miles really dragged. It’s different from when you start out in the day and there are other people. They motivate you and help you to keep running. But later on, I am running on my own and that is tougher.
“We are nearly there now though. I am very pleased with how I am doing. I just think of one day at a time.”
A wooded section of the course. @ No Limits Photography
Route variety includes hills, woodland and river crossings. @ No Limits Photography
A happy runner. @ No Limits Photography
Day 5: Into the Brecon Beacons National Park
The runners are heading into South Wales for the sting in the tail of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race, a traverse of the Black Mountains to the Brecon Beacons. The 70km route, with a total ascent of 3200m, undulates east before heading over the six main peaks of the Brecon Beacons, including the highest summit in South Wales, Pen y Fan. The overnight camp is at the remote Talybont Reservoir.