The competition is hotting up on Day 3 of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race®
Today 147 participants embarked on the full course on Day 3 of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race®, with a further 122 opting for the Hatchling course. It is encouraging to see so many participants continuing on with their journey on the Hatchling course even if their race hasn’t gone to plan. While in previous years missing a cut off meant participants would go home, now the vast majority of participants are making the decision to stay in the race and make the most of what is still an incredible mountain journey through Wales.
Today was the longest day yet for our participants, as those on the full course had to tackle an enormous distance of 70km through Mid Wales. The first obstacle of the day was the iconic Cadair Idris, the second most popular mountain in Wales behind Yr Wyddfa. Runners then headed into the sweeping Cambrian Mountains. The terrain was more runnable today, though it still presented plenty of challenging climbs.
However, there was an unlikely candidate for highlight of the day for many – and that was the Co-op in Machynlleth, where runners were given a rare opportunity to stock up on their favourite snacks.
A rare chance to experience civilisation ©No Limits Photography
There were some tired runners on the start line
The start of Day 3 was a tough one. Although the runners have two of the toughest days behind them, there is still a long way to go. There were certainly a lot of broken runners heading out this morning. One Event Team member, Collette commented, “The runners now look like aliens on their first day on earth trying to run/walk like humans.”
However, spirits were still high as we caught up with some of the runners starting at 6am.
Scott Rabin is still on the full course after overcoming some low moments earlier in the race. He said, “I’m excited to get it done and get going.”
“I almost gave in at the Support Point yesterday but I didn’t. I found strength somewhere and managed to pull through. Managing to get through that was the best bit.”
Hayley White also seemed in an excellent mood as she headed out into Day 3. She said, “I felt a bit off yesterday so I had to dial it back but feeling alright. I’m a bit nervous today about the cut offs but I think that’s because I felt so icky yesterday. Yesterday was a lot of climbs. As long as I can keep ticking along like this I’ll be fine! The whole summer’s been so wet and cool that the heat is a bit of a shock to the system.”
James Ritchie set off at lightning speed this morning, as part of his race tactics. He said, “I’m loving it. I really enjoyed Crib Goch. It all went a little bit downhill after that. I’m not good with heat so it’s been a little bit tough, but it makes it memorable! The plan is to hit it pretty hard while it’s cool and then go a lot slower in the afternoon!”
2nd lady Victoria heads out to start the day ©No Limits Photography
The Hatchling Course Participants enjoyed a stop in Macchynlleth before starting their day
Today the small market town of Macchynlleth was awash with ultra runners. The Hatchling course runners who had opted for the second half of the day were dropped off here by bus before their start at midday. Many Hatchling participants took the opportunity to wander round the shops, load up on food at the Co-op or sit in some cafés.
Peter Huzan is one Hatchling participant we spoke to. Peter has been running sections of the course in dragon wings. This is his second attempt at the Dragon. He said, “It’s all a bit hard this time round, but we’re still going to hang around and have fun. It would be nice to finish the whole thing sometime, but I just need everything to go well. I should be back next year.”
This was Nathan Jones’s first day on the Hatchling Course after a tough day yesterday. He was enjoying a rest with Kenneth Kruuse before the start today. He said, “I’m looking forward to it. I think the pressure’s off a bit.”
The camaraderie is such an integral part of the race, and the Hatchling participants still get to enjoy this. Nathan said, “We’ve just been on the bus to get here and it’s been brilliant. Everyone’s a bit more lively. The camaraderie is still there. Everyone still wants everyone to do well and enjoy the days out.”
Kenneth Kruuse has been enjoying the Hatchling course experience. “It was a good experience. Being able to do it and not feeling totally wrecked was nice. I’m still having a solid experience out there. We’re kind of in the same boat. Everyone has their story to tell.”
Bob Crowley has come all the way from the USA to participate and has had a brilliant experience. He said, “The atmosphere is absolutely tremendous. It’s worth coming just for that. It really is the crown jewel in multi-stage racing.”
Runners on the full course and the Hatchling were spotted wandering around the markets ©No Limits Photography
The Co-op in Machynlleth was doing a roaring trade today
Many runners were spotted milling around the Co-op in Machynlleth. Sandwiches, cold drinks and ice cream seemed to be the most popular buys.
Josh Castlo-Hall was one of the runners raiding the shelves. “I’m going to buy a sandwich, cold drink. I’ve had enough of sweet stuff. I’ll get a Fanta Lemon as the weather’s like being in Spain, it would be rude not to. I think I’ve been thinking about this Co-op stop since the water point.”
Iain Loader was also looking forward to this stop. “I think I’m going to go with Lucozade. As I came into town I was saying to people ‘Where’s the Co-op?!’”
As the route crosses some of the most remote land in Wales, this chance to refuel and buy favourite treats was certainly not overlooked by the hungry runners.
Ice-cream was a popular choice ©No Limits Photography
Runners were given an extra 30 minutes at Machynlleth Support Point
The heat continued to be unrelenting today, and unlike yesterday there was no breeze on the tops to cool them down. Runners were once again given an extra 30 minutes at the checkpoint in Macchynlleth to cool down their core body temperature.
Tristan Stephenson was the first full course runner into the Support Point at Macchynleth. He was visibly exhausted after the oppressive heat of the morning, and was sprayed down with cool water by Event Team members.
He said, “It’s a bit more runnable today. The descending was the worst bit on the first day I think. My ankle is not quite right – I’m having to be a little bit careful on it, but it’s not getting worse.”
Hugh Chatfield was second into the checkpoint after another storming run. Despite being competitive though, he still stopped quickly in a shop to buy some crisps.
He said, “It’s been good. I was running with Jakub over the tops which was really nice. Then I pushed ahead on the Tarrens. The girls are going strong – Robyn and Victoria are absolutely flying!”
“It’s been the best morning so far food-wise. The final bit is not too hard relatively. The terrain is mostly rolling farm track. You’ve got to be a bit of an all rounder to take on this course.”
Victoria Thompson was first woman into the checkpoint. She was racing hard this morning, chasing down Robyn Cassidy in first place, pulling ahead of her at an out-and-back section.
Competiton was clearly in her mind. She said, “I still have an hour and a bit to catch up on Robyn.”
Victoria is doing extremely well given she isn’t familiar with the route. She said, “I haven’t recced any of it – I’m going off the map.”
Robyn was a couple of minutes behind Victoria. She was struggling in the heat, although still in good spirits.
She said, “The highs get higher and the lows get lower!”
“It’s a bit warm out there! I was trying to keep Victoria in my sights, but on the out-and-back I thought, I can’t see her, and there’s some streams – I want to stop. It doesn’t matter though. Ultimately I want to get to Cardiff and survive the heat.”
In spite of the competition, there was still a strong sense of camaraderie in the sharp end of the field, with both Hugh and Tristan, and Robyn and Victoria taking the time in the Support Point to chat and share a few laughs with each other.
Silvia gets hosed down at the support point ©No Limits Photography
There’s been a change up in the men’s field
Hugh Chatfield has once again extended his lead after another strong performance. He was the first full course runner across the finish line today.
He said, “I had great legs today so that was nice, but my toes have paid the price. I have blisters, but that’s all in a day’s work of soggy feet.”
His mum met him on the way into camp which gave him a welcome boost.
He has enjoyed running with the other participants. “It was so fun running with Jakub on the top and we were cruising together for a few hours which was nice. You get a bit of a boost going past people. People are very encouraging. There’s a bit of gamesmanship, a bit of tactic as to when you start and who you chase down.”
Jakub Wolski retained his strong position in second, although he was suffering in the heat, dunking his head in a bucket of water at the Support Point.
There was a change in the men’s field today as Jon Shield in third place pulled out. Jon was struggling with the heat from Day 1, and had subsequently developed bad blisters slowing him down. He admitted that he was here to race, so sadly dropped out earlier today.
Tristan Stephenson has now moved up into third place in the men’s field after a strong run, but third overall is now Robyn Cassidy, who is over 40 minutes ahead of Tristan.
Hugh Chatfield is extending his lead day by day ©No Limits Photography
The women’s race is hotting up
The women’s race was fought hard today, with Victoria Thompson and Robyn Cassidy neck and neck for much of the day. While Victoria pushed passed Robyn earlier in the day, the pair were running together as they came into the finish, sharing a hug after crossing the line.
“I think we’ve just been moral support for each other,” Victoria said at the finish line.
“From the Support Point, we thought, let’s just battle together against the sun,” Robyn added. “This has been the toughest day.”
“I think it’s just 3 days of super heat is hard,” Victoria said.
While Robyn has retained her lead and has moved into third place overall, Victoria isn’t going down without a fight, and was the fastest woman today, having set off 2 minutes behind Robyn this morning. Victoria is now in 5th place overall.
Meanwhile, American runner Alyssa Clark has moved up into third place, having overtaken SCARPA athete Silvia Ainhoa Trigueros earlier today. This will certainly be a morale boost for Alyssa, who had to pull out in the 2019 edition of the race.
This is one of the strongest female fields the race has ever seen, and it has certainly been an exciting day of racing, with the lead runners fighting hard just as much against the tough weather conditions as they are each other.
However, it is arguably the people in the middle and back of the pack who are the most inspirational, having battled against the odds to continue on, in spite of spending almost twice as long on their feet as the frontrunners.
Robyn Cassidy heading out for the day followed by Silvia ©No Limits Photography
Results
Top 3 women overall
Robyn Cassidy (28:40:06) - 3rd overall
Victoria Thompson (29:44:22) - 5th overall
Alyssa Clark (31:26:26) - 7th overall
Top 3 men overall
Hugh Chatfield (24:29:17)
Jakub Wolski (25:56:57)
Tristan Stephenson (29:21:33)
Victoria Thompson had an incredible run today ©No Limits Photography
Top 3 women on Day 3
Victoria Thompson (10:04:05)
Robyn Cassidy (10:09:34)
Alyssa Clark (11:03:01
Top 3 men on Day 3
Hugh Chatfield (08:36:46)
Jakub Wolski (09:05:20)
Tristan Stephenson (09:55:40)
Tristan has jumped into 3rd place ©No Limits Photography
Follow the Journey
Tomorrow’s journey will favour the road runners more over the mountain goats, as the dragons will have several kilometers of tarmac to contend with as they head into the remote, forested Elan Valley.
You can follow their journey every step of the way!
Follow the runners as they move through the awesome landscape ©No Limits Photography
Feeling inspired?
Entries are already open for the 2024 event which will take place 2nd-7th September 2024.
Check our website each day this week for a different promotion as a fantastic incentive to sign up now!
If you sign up before 16th September you will also save £100 and get a free Dragon in Training T-shirt.
Join us for an adventure ©No Limits Photography