Life-Changing Experiences. Exceptional Support.

Widely renowned as the world’s toughest mountain race, the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® is a legendary multi-stage, ultra-running journey down the spine of Wales. Starting in Conwy Castle and ending in the magnificent Cardiff Castle, the Dragon’s Back Race® is a six-day event that takes participants over 380km of tough terrain with 17,400 of climbing.

New for 2023, participants also have the option to do the shorter ‘Hatchling Course’, which takes in 180km of spectacular Welsh landscape. Along the way, participants will enjoy the camaraderie of the overnight camps, which appear, as if by magic, at the end of each stage , giving participants the perfect opportunity to rest and refuel for the adventure ahead of them.

Get inspired for this wonderful adventure ©No Limit Photography

Make 2023 iconic!

Make 2023 your most memorable year yet by embarking on the adventure of a lifetime! Test your mental and physical limits as you take a life-affirming journey down the mountainous spine of Wales. Enjoy a training for a real challenge in 2023 – you can do so much more than you think!

I didn’t realise what I could achieve. It’s been wonderful. I’ve really been inspired by everybody. I’ve definitely gone beyond my limits this week.
— Bev Tucker, 2022 participant

Watch the latest inspirational film!

Explore the magic of Wales

Thrilling, lofty ridges; secluded, forested valleys; mighty mountains; and beautiful Welsh villages – the Dragon’s Back Race® has all of these. There is truly no better way to explore this beautiful country than taking on this epic ultra journey, traversing all the way from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle in the bustling capital.

The Welsh landscape is truly awe-inspiring ©No Limits Photography

Become part of the Dragon’s Back Race community

The camaraderie amongst runners and event team on the Dragon’s Back Race® is second to none! Join an incredible group of people who are there to support each other achieve their goal of completing the Dragon’s Back Race®. Make lifelong friendships with people who share your passion for ultra-running adventures!

The people are what make the Dragon’s Back Race® so special ©No Limits Photography

Do something extraordinary in 2023!

The Montane Dragon’s Back Race® is so much more than a race – it is a life-changing experience. Push yourself to find out what you’re really capable of as you cross the entire length of Wales on foot, and come back with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

I’ve been organising very challenging mountain events for over a decade, and one of the consistent themes is how these extraordinary events can unleash the hidden potential of participants. Again and again, I witness that with determination, preparation, and training, it is possible to achieve amazing feats of endurance. Certainly, I see my role is to inspire and enable the fast and light community to take on our challenging and life-changing events, and I hope to welcome you to one in 2023.
— Shane Ohly, Race Director
Escape the daily grind that life’s treadmill throws at you, stretch that comfort zone by securing a place on the Dragon’s Back Race, it won’t disappoint! The organisation and level of support before and during the event is so immense that all you need to focus on each day is running to make the next camp and enjoy the stunning welsh scenery on the way. The camaraderie of participants in camp creates a home from home which has encouraged so many ordinary people to achieve something extraordinary. There is no other race quite like it.
— Adam Marcinowicz, 2022 participant

It was a life-changing event for Adam ©No Limits Photography

Start your journey in 2023

Interested in taking part in an adventure of your own in 2023? Entries are now open for the 2023 event.

  • Join one of our webinars

    If you’re interested in knowing more, we’d love to see you at one of our upcoming webinars with Race Director Shane Ohly and former participants.

  • Discover our participant blogs

    Interested in learning what it’s like to complete the challenge? Why not read our participant blogs to find out all about our previous participants’ experiences of this adventure.

  • Prefer to chat?

    We would be delighted to arrange a phone call or video call if you would like to know more.

Hear Kirsten’s story ©Bib Number Photography

Webinars – sign up now!

If you’re interested in knowing more, we’d love to see you at one of our upcoming webinars. Race Director, Shane Ohly, will be talking to former participants, who will be sharing stories of their journey and also giving tips and advice.

Not ready just yet? Register your interest for 2024

  • Be the first to hear details of the 2024 event.

  • Have the chance to enter the event early.

  • Get access to an exclusive webinar with Race Director, Shane Ohly.