DRAGON’S BACK
TIEMPO MÁS RÁPIDO CONOCIDO
Above: Emma Stuart, James Nobles and Shane Ohly taking a pause at the Fan Brycheiniog summit shelter during Shane Ohly's 2024 FKT. © Steve Ashworth Photography.
Información sobre el tiempo más rápido conocido de Dragon's Back (FKT)
Historia
19/08/2024 Shane Ohly. 102 hours 33 minutes (Supported). GPS Tracking
26/07/2025 Bridget Glaister. 102 hours 40 minutes (Solo Supported). GPS Tracking
Continuous Dragon’s Back Completions
We are pleased to keep a record of continuous completions of the Dragon’s Back route here. Please get in touch if you are considering an attempt and would like to clarify any details of the route or the ‘rules’. Whether you are unsupported, supported, or self-supported, or whether you attempt this challenge alone or not, we require complete transparency about the style of your attempt and clear evidence of completion, such as at least a publicly available GPS track.
FKT Rules and Style
Shane Ohly’s FKT took a straightforward approach: follow the same rules as the event when it comes to following the route, with some minor common-sense adjustments, which are described below. A key element to understand is that the Dragon’s Back Race has sections of mandatory route (these must be followed precisely) and sections of recommended route (where you are free to choose your own route). Shane visited all the mandatory checkpoints, including various mountain summits, and physically touched these summit cairns and trig points.
For an FKT to be accepted, we would expect the same approach. Within a reasonable margin of error, when following the mandatory route, but absolutely no margin for error in terms of visiting the mountain summits that are at the heart of the route. Any attempt at an FKT must follow the same route and actually visit all the checkpoints.
The best way to understand the checkpoints and mandatory sections of the route is to purchase a Dragon’s Back Race map, which clearly lays out all this information. This can be done by contacting the Ourea Events office.
The following bullet points should answer most common questions:
Style. Attempting an FKT on the Dragon’s Back Race route is a serious undertaking that involves significant distance, elevation gain, and remote terrain. Runners are expected to approach the challenge with respect for the environment, personal safety, and the spirit of self-reliant endurance.
Technology. Runners may use GPS devices, smartphones, and watches to aid navigation, alongside traditional navigation tools such as a map and compass.
Unsupported: An unsupported FKT means that the runner must carry all their supplies from start to finish. The only permissible external aid is water collected from natural sources found along the route.
Self-Supported: Runners may utilise any publicly accessible resources (e.g., shops, cafes, taps, or charging points), but not receive private or pre-arranged support from friends, family, or teams. Any resupply must be available to anyone attempting the route.
Supported: Runners may receive planned assistance from others, including food, drink, gear changes, or pacing, at designated points or along the route. The type and location of support must be clearly documented.
Solo: The runner completes the route without any external support or assistance, such as pacers or support runners. The different solo approaches can be further clarified as:
Solo Unsupported: The entire endeavour is completed without ANY external support or assistance at ANY point.
Solo and Supported: The entire route (i.e. on the mountains) is completed solo, but there is roadside support providing food, somewhere to sleep, etc.
Route: Any attempt must follow the route exactly as described on this web page.
Verification: A completely transparent approach by all runners attempting any FKTs is essential. A complete GPS track of the route is required for all FKT claims, which has been uploaded to a public platform (e.g., Strava or Garmin Connect). Photographic evidence or witness statements are encouraged and may be requested. If in doubt, provide more detail rather than less.
Ruta FKT
First, some important distinctions. The route from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle is called the Dragon’s Back. The race, which takes place each September, is known as the Dragon’s Back Race. There are small but significant differences between the two, and confusingly, participants in the Dragon’s Back Race usually refer to the event as simply the ‘Dragon’s Back’ or even the ‘Dragon’.
La diferencia entre la ruta de la Dragon's Back Race y la ruta de la Dragon's Back FKT es que están diseñadas para que cualquiera pueda intentar esta FKT en cualquier momento, sin los permisos especiales que tiene el evento para acceder a los dos castillos y para evitar algunas secciones cortas de terrenos privados utilizados para los Campamentos de Pernocta y Puntos de Apoyo durante la carrera.
Castillo de Conwy Inicio
We suggest starting late enough to allow yourself time to explore Conwy Castle in the morning. The race begins inside the castle at dawn, and the atmosphere on race day is electric. You do need to pay to access Conwy Castle as a member of the public (please don’t try to blag your way in). The official start of the FKT is located outside the entrance to the castle and gift shop, marked by a “Conwy Castle’ sign. The KFT route also follows the old town walls, which are closed to the public overnight. You’ll need to wait until they reopen each morning before setting off.
Camp 1 at Gwastadannas Farm
There is no need to enter Gwastadannas Farm, which is private, where Overnight Camp One is located during the Dragon’s Back Race. Continue along the track, which becomes a road heading south to Llyn Gwynant. There are some great lay-bys by the lake that can be used as ad-hoc support points during an FKT attempt. Please do not drive support vehicles up the road to Gwastadannas Farm.
Camp 2 at Vanner Farm Caravan & Camping Site
There is no need to enter Vanner Farm, which is private, where Overnight Camp Two is located during the Dragon’s Back Race. About 100 metres before the turn into Vanner Farm, turn sharply right and join the start of the Day Two Dragon’s Back Race route. A suitable lay-by is immediately before this turn and can be used as an informal support point during an FKT attempt. Please do not drive support vehicles into Vanner Farm, and absolutely do not be tempted to enter the Caravan & Camping Site to use their facilities.
Day Three Support Point in Machynlleth
Do not follow the Day Three race route through Machynlleth to the Support Point location. The Support Point is on private land with no public right of way, and special access is organised for race day only. Please take the minor road past the industrial estate and then use the public rights of way to rejoin the Dragon’s Back Race route.
Camp 3 at Fagwr Fawr Farm
There is no need to enter the fields used for the Overnight Camp at Fagwr Fawr Farm, but you will need to pass through the farmyard. There is a public right of way here, but please be very respectful of the residence and pass by in silence during the hours of darkness to rejoin the Dragon’s Back Race route. A kilometre before Fagwr Fawr Farm, and immediately after crossing the road, there is a very large lay-by at Dyffryn Castell that is suitable for an ad hoc support point.
Abergynolwyn to Tarren y Gesail
The Dragon’s Back FKT route follows the major track as shown in the map extract below. It is not acceptable to cut corners. This is the route followed by Shane Ohly in 2024.
Day Four: Banc Nantycreuau
This area is a problem for both participants in the Dragon’s Back Race and anyone attempting an FKT. Shane Ohly followed the route shown below left during his August 2024 FKT, and this has been the route used by the race for many years. However, in December 2024, Storm Darragh caused considerable damage to forestry across Wales, including to this section of the Dragon’s Back Race route. In 2025, the Dragon’s Back Race route will divert onto paths and tracks to the northeast, shown in the right-hand image. The 2025 route is approximately 3 km longer, has about 130 m less ascent, and is much more runnable. Bridget Glaister followed the 2025 route during her continuous completion. We recommend following the 2025 (right) version, as this aligns with the current race route.
Camp 4 at Rhandirmwyn Bridge
There is no need to enter the fields used for the Overnight Camp at Rhandirmwyn Bridge, as they are private and have no public access. Just stay on the main road heading south towards the village of Rhandirmwyn.
Camp 5 near Talybont Reservoir
There is no need to enter the fields used for the Overnight Camp near Talybont Reservoir, as they are private and have no public access. Just stay on the main road heading west towards the hamlet of Abercynafon.
Day 6 Route north of Merthyr Tydfil
We are reverting to the original six-day route at the 2025 edition of the Dragon’s Back Race. This route (shown on the right below) follows lovely paths and trails rather than the tarmac Taff Trail north of Merthyr Tydfil. It is a much nicer route, and it would have been taken for Shane Ohly’s FKT in 2024, except that it was closed to the public between 2022 and 2025 due to construction work on the A465. The route Shane Ohly took is shown on the left. Bridget Glaister followed the 2025 race route (the right-hand one) during her continuous completion. We recommend following the 2025 (right-hand version), as this aligns with the current race route.
Cardiff Castle Finish
The official finish is outside the ‘North Gate’ entrance to Cardiff Castle, where Shane Ohly stopped his watch. Usually, the metal gate leading from Bute Park to the North Gate is open, and the North Gate itself is also usually left open when the castle is open to visitors. It’s worth noting that the final kilometres of the route pass through Bute Park, which is closed to the public overnight (opening hours are currently 07:30 to 21:00). It might be possible to climb over a fence to access Bute Park if you are finishing in the middle of the night... but we do not recommend this.
Shane Ohly - First FKT
Start: 10:00 Thursday, 15th August 2024
Finish: 16:33 Monday, 19th August 2024
Result: 4 days, 6 hours, 33 minutes (102 hrs 33 minutes)
En el verano de 2024, Shane Ohly, fundador y organizador durante muchos años de la moderna Dragon's Back Race®, se propuso una misión personal y simbólica: completar todo el recorrido de la Dragon's Back en un solo empujón continuo. En el transcurso de 102 horas y 33 minutos, se convirtió en la primera persona en recorrer los 380 km que separan el castillo de Conwy, en el norte, del de Cardiff, en el sur, sin detener el reloj: una extraordinaria hazaña de resistencia que llevó su cuerpo y su mente al límite.
La Dragon's Back Race, concebida por primera vez en 1992 y recuperada por Ohly en 2012, está ampliamente considerada como una de las carreras de montaña más duras del mundo. Abarcando seis etapas de un día en formato carrera, la ruta incluye aproximadamente 16.500 metros de ascenso y pasa por algunos de los terrenos más escarpados y espectaculares de Gales: el Carneddau, Glyderau, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Rhinogydd, Cadair Idris, el valle de Elan, el Bannau Brycheiniog y, por último, la meta urbana en Cardiff. Aunque cientos de competidores han completado la prueba a lo largo de seis días estructurados con un importante apoyo al evento, incluidos campamentos nocturnos, catering, servicios médicos y de rescate, nadie había completado un FKT (Fastest Known Time) continuo en la ruta completa, a pesar de algunos valientes intentos.
Para Ohly, no se trataba sólo de un reto personal de resistencia. Después de dirigir la carrera durante más de una década, le impulsó el deseo de vivir el evento de una manera más íntima y vulnerable. Al correr todo el recorrido él mismo, sin la estructura de salidas y llegadas diarias, pretendía comprender mejor el desgaste físico y emocional que supone para los participantes, y volver a conectar con la cruda esencia de la ruta en un viaje muy personal a través de Gales.
No estuvo solo en su intento. Una treintena de amigos le ayudaron en todo momento, incluidos coordinadores logísticos, conductores y un elenco rotativo de marcapasos formado por antiguos ganadores de la Dragon's Back y grandes corredores de ultradistancia. Entre ellos estaban Robyn Cassidy, Simon Roberts, High Chatfield, Lisa Watson y James Nobles. Su presencia ofreció tanto apoyo práctico como ánimo emocional, especialmente durante las largas noches y el tiempo desapacible que marcaron las primeras etapas de la carrera.
De hecho, el tiempo demostró ser uno de los obstáculos más formidables. Ohly se enfrentó a vientos huracanados, lluvias torrenciales y escasa visibilidad en las montañas del norte, y las condiciones más tranquilas sólo llegaron después de Snowdon. La falta de sueño también fue un factor importante. A pesar de programar breves descansos de vez en cuando, Ohly siguió adelante a pesar de su extrema fatiga, especialmente durante la última noche, en la que tuvo que hacer acopio de reservas de resistencia para seguir adelante.
Al reflexionar después sobre la experiencia, Ohly se sinceró sobre su brutalidad. " La carrera por etapas es probablemente mucho más divertida", admitió con una sonrisa irónica. Sin embargo, el viaje había reforzado su conexión con la prueba. Le recordó la humildad y la fortaleza mental necesarias para completar la Dragon's Back Race, cualidades que ve en los corredores que vuelven año tras año para afrontar el reto. Para Ohly, fue un momento de círculo completo: el organizador se convirtió en participante, y el observador en sujeto.
El FKT continuo no pretende sustituir al formato de carrera por etapas, pero añade una nueva dimensión a la mitología del Dragón. Es tanto un logro personal como un acto simbólico, una afirmación del espíritu de la carrera y del paisaje que atraviesa. Al convertirse en la primera persona en correr la Dragon's Back de un solo empujón, Shane Ohly no sólo estableció un récord. Hizo honor a la aventura en el corazón del evento que creó.
A continuación se muestra una selección de imágenes del 2024 FKT de Shane Ohly.
© Shane Ohly collection courtesy of many friends supporting his KFT.
