There was trepidation and optimism this morning as dragons headed out into the Bannau Brycheniog. Dragons who thought all the high mountains were left behind on Days 1 and 2 were in for a shock to the system today, with the steep and grassy slopes of the Bannau Brycheniog providing the biggest obstacle today. Although not as rocky and rugged as their Eryri counterparts, these mountains are brutal and not to be underestimated, especially in the sweltering conditions.

Just 99 participants are left on the full course, with the unprecedented heat making an already challenging course even tougher. However, 136 runners are still continuing on with the race in the Hatchling course, meaning a higher than usual percentage are still running some kind of route, which is a huge testament to the runners’ determination and resilience. It takes a great amount of mental strength to pick yourself up and keep going after being knocked down, and the Hatchlings clearly have this in abundance.

*Dragons made their way through the Brecons today ©No Limits Photography*

The start line was buzzing this morning

At the top end of the field there were some race tactics involved behind what time to set off this morning.

Race leader Hugh Chatfield has been waiting each day for his main competition Jakub Wolski to set off each morning, allowing him to get a head start before chasing him down each day.

In spite of his incredible lead (he is nearly 2 hours ahead of Jakub), he is cautious not to get too complacent. He said, “There’s no match burning today. Some say the race has only just begun.”

The lead women, Robyn Cassidy and Victoria Thompson decided to set off together, each keen to get the upper hand.

While both were looking incredibly strong on the start line, it was clear that the repeated strains of the race were beginning to take their toll.

Robyn said, “We will get it done. It’s downhill to Cardiff after today – 60k of tough trail. It’s the best week ever, but it’s almost the most painful.”

Victoria has been struggling with her feet in this race. She said, “I don’t want to have these feet ever again!”

There was certainly some hard racing going on in the top end of the field. However, across the field runners were finding it tough.

Catherina Rennie is attempting the Dragon’s Back Race having DNF’d last year. This year she was still going strong as she headed out onto the course this morning. We asked her what was keeping her going. She said, “The thought of running into Cardiff Castle and never having to come back for unfinished business!”

*One runner cools down by any means possible ©No Limits Photography*

Llandovery bakery was the place to be seen

Before heading into the mountains, participants have the opportunity for a pitstop in the little market town of Llandovery, where the route planners were kind enough to take the runners past the La Patisserie bakery.

The shelves were lined with cakes the size of one’s head and other sweet treats, though the cold drinks fridge was proving particularly popular. It was quite a sight to see, with tired ultra runners all queuing up to purchase their favourite snacks.

Zukie Tandathu was buying some orange juice, a can of coke and cake. He said, “I’ll get drinks and cake, a bit of a balance between something almost healthy, and sugar!”

Matt Chidley-Sanders was also enjoying a treat. He said, “I had a bakewell slice. A gluten-free bakewell slice which was unusual. It was really good!”
While many runners were relishing the opportunity to load up on sweet treats to fuel them through the long day ahead, the race leaders, Robyn and Hugh didn’t stop, choosing to press on and gain those precious minutes.

Already by Llandovery, Robyn had made up a bit of distance on Victoria, who was showing signs of slowing down after suffering with her feet.

*The bakery was a hub of activity this morning ©No Limits Photography*

Runners were feeling the heat at Usk Reservoir

With the weather once again set to be sweltering , organisers today allowed runners an extra thirty minutes at both the Support Point and the Water Point, extending the course closure time until 11. With the course having very little shade, runners were extremely grateful for this respite time.

Hugh came into Support Point earlier than expected after an absolutely storming start to the day. Robyn was not long behind him.

Robyn had extended her lead massively on Victoria, coming into the Support Point nearly half an hour ahead of her. Victoria was looking very focussed as she came down the hill into the Support Point, clearly intent on catching Robyn. However, her feet were clearly giving her a lot of grief.

We caught up with some of the runners as they came into the Support Point near Usk Reservoir.

Robert Woolley and Sanna Duthie were making the most of the half hour break here to sort out their food.

Robert Woolley was enjoying the sweeping views of the morning, but like many other runners, was struggling with the heat.

He said, “It’s stunning, but it’s really exposed. The bakery was amazing though. I got a scotch egg, a coke, and a coronation roll.”

Sanna had adopted a good tactic for cooling down. “I got in a stream. It was so cold – it was so nice. I know the next step quite well, so I know it’s tough.”

Gary Thwaites, co-host of the Tea and Trails Podcast has been looking consistently strong throughout the race, and today was no different as he came sailing into the Support Point.

He said, “It’s awesome! Every day it’s just different the terrain. The mist in the valleys this morning was like a postcard – just stunning!”

*Gary Thwaites had a good run ©No Limits Photography*

Alyssa Clark came into the Support Point looking strong. When she last attempted the Dragon’s Back Race in 2019, she dropped out on Day 4. Now, having made it past Day 4 she confessed she was planning to step up the racing.

“I’m so happy to be here!” she said as she came running into the Support Point.

While spirits seemed high, it was clear runners were once again suffering under the heat. The steep climb out of the Support Point was certainly a tough start to the next section.

*Alyssa Clark was looking strong today ©No Limits Photography*

Runners enjoyed stunning views from Pen y Fan

The sun was beating down with full force on the Water Point at the Storey Arms. This was the final place on the route today where runners had the opportunity to rest, replenish their water supplies and potentially pick up more food at the burger van.

From here, participants had a final push over the highest peak in South Wales, Pen y Fan, following a gorgeous ridge along to Cribyn and Fan y Big. There was no breeze to cool down the runners today, which made the going tough for the runners.

We caught up with some of the participants on the Hatchling course as they began the gruelling climb.

Sarah Gerrish had to drop down after struggling to keep food down in the heat. However, she was moving incredibly well up the climb and had a smile on her face when we caught up with her today.

She said, “I’m absolutely in awe of those on the full course. It’s mad. It’s been nice having shifted onto the shorter days having a bit more time around camp and meeting people.”

Peter Huzan was also in good spirits, but was struggling in the heat. He wore dragon wings as he embarked on the climb, which certainly entertained the dragons around him. He said, “It’s hot. I’m trying to drink lots – it’s hard today. Sadly these wings don’t work!”

*Peter sets off for the final stretch ©No Limits Photography*

Robyn and Hugh are poised to take the win

Robyn and Hugh are both still in the lead after another impressive run in difficult conditions. The pair even ran a portion of the race together today along the ridge from Pen Y Fan, though Hugh was eventually the first to come into camp.

Hugh was understandably in a great mood when we caught up with him in camp today. He said, “I’m still alive, I’m still here and I’m still in the lead. My feet are in good nick, my legs are in good nick. Just an ultra to go.”

Robyn had a tough day today, as she pushed hard to put even more time into her competition. Robyn looks set not only to win the women’s race, but to come 3rd overall. We caught her at the finish line. She said, “I had such a tough time on that top bit, but that was good! I was going well and then suddenly I thought – I need to get back to camp!”

“I ran with Hugh for a while and we were going along well, then along the top he just went for it.”

There has been a little bit of a shake up in the women’s field today, as second lady Victoria Thompson unfortunately had to drop out at the Water Point. This is naturally a devastating end to what has been an incredible race up to this point, but Victoria was reportedly struggling with her feet for the last few days. Hopefully she will be back another year to finish what she started. She has certainly proven that she is strong enough.

This means American runner, Alyssa Clark has now moved into second place, with SCARPA athlete Silvia Ainhoa Trigueros moving into third place. Both runners have been consistently strong from the start.

Both Robyn and Hugh have a decisive lead, both being several hours ahead of their competition. There has been some incredible racing from both of them. With just one day to go, they must both be looking forward to the culmination of a fantastic race.

*Hugh coming into camp this evening ©No Limits Photography*

There was joy and relief in the participant marquee

There were joyful scenes and even many tears on the finish line today, as our dragons realised that Cardiff castle is finally in sight. The participant marquee was buzzing with excitement. There was even singing and music, courtesy of Hatchling participant and SCARPA athlete Carmine De Grandis on his accordion. Participants were also greatly cheered up by Dragon Mail, little messages of encouragement sent by friends and family. This year over 12,500 messages had been sent by the end of day 4 – a phenomenal number!

There’s another big day tomorrow, but for those who have made it this far, they can rest in the knowledge that they really have broken the dragon’s back. Tomorrow, participants can expect a victory lap along a flatter course into a spectacular finish at Cardiff Castle, where they can finally celebrate the achievement of a lifetime with their friends and family.

You can follow the runners on the final stretch of their journey into Cardiff!

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