Marcus Scotney put aside injury concerns to lead from the front on the final day and win the 2017 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race, ahead of defending champion Jim Mann. In the women’s race, Ireland’s Carol Morgan caught and passed overnight leader Sabrina Verjee to claim the title. It was another hot day of competition in the Welsh mountains and at the end of 315km and 15,500m of climbing, 127 of Monday’s 223 starters completed the full race.

The prize giving for the 2017 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race took place at the race finish in Llandeilo tonight, starting with the famous Dragon trophies being carried into the room to great applause, and some expectation for those waiting to collect theirs.

There are many international competitors at the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race this year.  The event has quickly established a global reputation for itself and as this year’s competitors return home they will surely inspire others to come in the future.  I’ve been asking a few about their experiences in Wales over the last 5 days.

After a tense final day with the 3 leading female runners all minutes apart it was Carol Morgan of Ireland who crossed the finish line in Llandeilo first this afternoon.

Throughout the 5 days of The Berghaus Dragon’s Back the walls of the racer’s meal tent have been covered in huge colour blow up photos of Steve Birkinshaw, Helene Whitaker, Jim Mann and Jasmin Paris. They are the 4 previous winners of the modern day Dragon’s Back Race and are known as the ‘Dragon Slayers’ ... now they are joined by Marcus Scotney, winner of the 2017 men’s race.

The Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race had its first chasing start since 1992 this morning and there were nerves, tears and tension on the start line.

In both 2012 and 2015 the leaders were well ahead and there was no need to have a chasing start and set up a first across the line finish, but in this race it is much, much closer. So at 08.00 precisely the two race leaders, Sabrina Verjee and Marcus Scotney set off together, feeling like they had targets on their backs.

The 2017 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race is hotting up, literally and figuratively. After four days and 252km of mountain running, only minutes separate the leaders in both the men’s and women’s races. In the women’s race, 15 minutes separate the first three runners, while the second placed man is only eight minutes behind the leader.

The competition at the 2017 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race is close, very close. At the end of Day 4, after 252km of mountain running and crossing dozens of mountain summits, only a few minutes separate the leaders in both the men’s and women’s races.

Closest of all is the women’s race where only 15 minutes separate the top 3 runners.

It’s been another scorcher on the penultimate day of the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race, with the temperature hitting 25°C and the competitors facing a long run on tarmac into the final camp.