North to South Wales, 380km and 17,400m ascent – on foot across the central spine of this epic landscape. That’s a lot of terrain to cover! 

Some Dragons In Training will choose to recce the entire route – either solo, in pairs or small groups – from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle. Others may pick and choose certain sections depending on what area knowledge or running/navigation experience they hold. It can be really sociable and supportive meeting up with other Dragons In Training to share useful training runs, learn about the route, swap tips and provide listening ears to pre-race banter.

Whatever strategy is taken, this route familiarisation can provide a real confidence boost mentally and physically. By knowing what to expect, there is a tangible reduction in the stress of the unknown in race week. Having too many ‘unknown’ factors to cope with on Day 1, for example, can be a runner’s make or break: terrain underfoot, weather, hands to rock scrambling, exposed ridges, navigational challenges, rate of pace on different ground, nutrition on the move and possibly moving in darkness.  

Which is why ‘Day 1 - Technical Dragons’ Recce Events, offered by Event Partner, RAW Adventures, are the most popular route sections runners want to recce in advance. Followed by Day 2, Day 3 and Day 5 it seems. There is good reason for Dragons In Training to get their recce-teeth into these challenging days. And RAW Adventures’ Official Recce Events provide a meticulously organised schedule of dates that cover virtually the entire Dragon’s Back Race® route, complimenting runners’ own training plans, as well as focusing on race navigation, movement/running skills, personal and kit organisation. They also provide excellent networking and training opportunities.

Through various Dragon’s Back Race® Event Team roles and managing previous Recce Events in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023, Kate from RAW Adventures has built up an expert knowledge of the current Dragon’s Back Race® route. Kate also ran in the Dragon’s Back Race® in 2021, reaching the summit of Pen y Fan towards the end of Day 5, before retiring with an injury. Kate is also supported by excellent #TeamRAW Run Guides: qualified and experienced outdoor professionals with specific Dragon’s Back Race® experience, from running and/or Event Team work.

RAW Adventures offers a mix of 1 Day and 2 Day Official Recce Events with or without accommodation included. As well as added training and race advice, they help participants build personal knowledge and confidence in mountainous terrain and more.

You don’t have to be a race entrant to join a Recce Event; use them as a ‘Taster Day’ to help build confidence. We do a lot of walking as well as running, and much eating and chatting! Previous #TeamRAW Recce Event Dragons have said their Official Recce Events were the highlight of their training and journey towards Cardiff, and a significant factor in helping them finish their races.

There’s every reason to get out training and recceing with fellow Dragons under your own steam – this builds self-confidence and competence as individuals. We also believe that #TeamRAW Recce Events bring additional benefits. And we know time is precious; Kate has completed the thinking, planning and organising of transport and other solutions to set up really workable and fun Recce Events that deliver; in all weathers and with all runners involved. If you choose to join us for a professionally organised Official Recce Event, that’s what RAW Adventures will deliver; with your safety, learning and enjoyment our top priority. That’s our promise to you.

Benefits of joining a #TeamRAW Official Recce Event:

•  Extensive Dragon's Back Race® route knowledge and expert mountain skills input

•  Recce Events compliment your training, increasing stamina/fitness throughout the year

•  Qualified #TeamRAW Run Guides with Dragon's Back Race® and/or Event Team experience

•  Expertly organised itineraries work for all; professional planning and delivery in all weathers

•  Essential ‘Technical Dragons’ skills for rocky terrain – we love Crib Goch!

•  Meet other friendly #DragonsInTraining and #TeamRAW Run Guides; make lasting connections

•  Superb group accommodation/food options for some Recce Event dates

•  Transport always costed in and organised; no fussy car drops required

•  Official Recce Events WhatsApp group for connections, motivation and information

•  Dragon's Back Race® inspired RAW Adventures Multiwrap for every #TeamRAW Dragon

•  BOOK EARLY to organise your training and race calendars

RAW Adventures wish all Dragons In Training a happy and healthy preparation to the next Montane Dragon’s Back Race®, and we hope to see you in the mountains soon!