Day 6: Finish day joy - and tears - as a quarter of the field tame the Dragon
In almost perfect running weather, with sunshine and a breeze, 90 competitors crossed the finish line of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® 2021 in Cardiff Castle.
The final day took the runners from Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, on 63km of paths, trails and roads – and a total ascent of 1300m – to the beautiful grounds of Cardiff Castle and amid huge cheers from their families and friends.
Finish line emotions were high with many runners in tears or fighting back tears.
It had taken physical and mental strength to complete the race, which for the first time was an extended six-day challenge. This was the sixth edition of the world’s toughest mountain race
Of an original 367 runners, only 90 – just 25% – received a coveted Dragon Trophy. Of those, only seven were females.
The participants had run a total of 380km from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, down the mountainous spine of Wales. The total elevation of 17,400m is almost twice the height as Mt Everest.
Weather conditions ranged from extreme heat and sunshine in the first few days, to wet and windy for the next two days. The final day offered almost perfect running conditions, with sunshine and a light breeze.
Emotions at the end day of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® 2021. ©No Limits Photography
Day 6: Start line thoughts focus on the finish
As the runners approached the start line for the final day of the race, they talked of excitement, happiness and hope. They still had an ultra distance run to reach the finish line.
Scottish runner Scott Brown said: “I am excited. It’s the home straight now and I am looking forward to seeing my wife. It is a long day though.”
Darren Hartley said: “I am a bit achey but once I get going I’ll be okay. I’m looking forward to seeing my wife and little boy in Cardiff.”
Huw Pullen said: "I am looking forward to going to Cardiff.”
Ben Wernick said: “My legs have got better and better each day. It is really odd because I expected the DOMS to be accumulative but it hasn’t been like this. I think I have been lucky. I am looking forward to getting to Cardiff.”
Finish line joy and tears. © No Limits Photography
Friends and family came to cheer the runners home at Cardiff Castle. © No Limits Photography
Finish line emotion, elation, hugs and tears
Chris Taylor, who finished in sixth place, said: “Weirdly I will miss the race. It is only 30 seconds since I finished and I will miss it. I am tired but life is so short you have got to do the things you want to, to challenge yourself. A lot of time it hurts but it is really special.”
Chris also talked candidly about the personal achievement. He said: “Eight months go I didn’t know if I could do life. I was trying to tap out. For me, if I can finish Dragon’s Back, I can do life. It is more than running for me.”
Scott Brown, who finished in 10th place overall, said: “It has been amazing. Wales is so beautiful. To see the length of Wales was amazing. I love the scenery in Scotland and Wales matches that.
“There are so many ups and downs and learning things and almost ending up broken at the start. I have learned I am stronger than I thought I was.”
Chris Brookman, placed in the top 20, said: “It was so hard. It was physically draining especially with the heat earlier in the week. I got to day four and I wasn’t sure I would finish but you just have to take one step at a time.
“It was way tougher than I ever imagined. It was relentless. Not just the running but all the rest of it in the evening and to get going again the next day. Then getting your head into the right place for each day. It is an achievement.”
Wim Schacht, from Belgium, said: “I wanted to do the race because of the nature. It was harder than I thought it would be. I wasn’t sure if I would succeed. It was very hot earlier in the week. I am glad I am here now.”
Brothers Joshua and Rupert Lee finished the race together. Rupert said: “I feel very emotional.” Rupert added: “We held each other together through the ups and downs.”
Antonio Codina, from Spain, was also very happy to finish. He said: “The race was really good. Every day is different and it was very hot. Day five was absolutely fantastic.
“It was a fantastic experience. It was a hard race and each day the cut-offs are tight and you do not have any margin for error. It has been a great experience.”
Michael Burke said: “It was amazing, phenomenal and fantastic. I am shattered. That was all for my mum.” Michael’s mum passed away with cancer in July and he is raising money for Macmillan Cancer Research.
Simon Pollard said: “I am very pleased with today. I got to about 180 miles (289km) of the whole event. It has been incredible.”