After a period of reflection on the continuation of media coverage of the 2022 event, we believe the right thing to do at this time is to post some low-key race updates, primarily for the benefit of friends and family. All other race coverage is still being captured and held for later release.

Here is our update for days four and five of the 2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race.

Day Four

On day four participants had a tough day as they ran through the remote Elan Valley. They ran over 69km of more runnable terrain, with the route including more tarmac than previous days. The weather was extremely changeable, with both torrential rain and patches of sunlight.

139 runners were competitive, with 49 runners non-competitive. Many of these non-competitive runners chose to do a reduced course today, being inserted at the halfway point in the Elan Village.

The front of the field saw a complete switch up on Day 4. Simon Roberts had an amazing run, that saw him overtake James Nobles. He was the fastest on the day, and clawed back some of the time from Chris Cope.

“I feel like myself again,” he said.

He was met by his dog and family at the support point. “It was great seeing the dog,” he said. “My mum, my dad, my stepdad, they were there. It was nice pick-me-up. That’s where I left Chris there.”

Meanwhile, Chris slowed significantly, claiming at the finish line he was “broken”, after picking up an injury.

The women’s field also saw a switch up. Lisa Watson had another strong run, coming in 4th fastest overall. She has continued to extend her lead every day. She said, “It’s funny because you feel awful in the evening, then you get going and you think, oh my legs do work. The evenings are sometimes worse because you’re dwelling on things that are hurting and your brain plays funny games with you. It’s amazing what a night of sleep and a couple of meals can do for you.”

The second lady, Helen Brown, sadly dropped out after picking up a calf injury.

Bridget Glaister had an impressive run and finished second place in the women’s field, with Victoria Morris remaining in third place.

Top 3 male runners on Day 4

Simon Roberts 07:41:49

James Nobles 08:07:00

Chris Cope 08:11:48

Top 3 female runners on Day 4

Lisa Watson 08:13:37

Bridget Glaister 10:18:49

Victoria Morris 11:10:11

Day Five

Day five took the participants over the Black Mountain and the Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales. It was a tough 70km, with extremely wet weather for most of the day, clearing up to make way for hotter weather later on in the afternoon.

There was a huge change in the front of the field today. Simon Roberts was running really well, taking a huge amount of time off of Chris. However, he became injured just before the Storey Arms water point, with tendonitis in his shins. He took a shorter route off the hill back to camp where he retired.

He said, “It’s my shin. That’s it. End of race.”

James Nobles was the fastest runner of the day after a strong performance. “That was a really hard day,” he said. “It’s not signed and sealed until we get to Cardiff.”

Chris Cope slowed massively after becoming injured and has lost his first place. He wasn't far off the cut off at the Storey Arms. He is now in 2nd place, with David Jackson moving up into third.

Lisa continued with her impressive run, coming in first lady of the day. She is now in fifth place overall.

She said the weather was very wet. “It was good though I really like the wild. Kind of won’t feel like a proper adventure unless you get a bit wet though.”

She spent some of her day with second lady, Bridget Glaister. She said, “I had a really nice walk up the hill with Bridget. We were both in a bit of a hole and she was so happy.”

Bridget was second lady. She said, “The weather was shocking to start with. I was so glad it improved. I’ve had a few tumbles but hopefully I’ll be alright. I can’t believe I’m here. I was so emotional to start with, but I’m not emotional now – just happy.”

The participants will be continuing with the final day of the race, where they will be finishing in Bute Park rather than Cardiff Castle.

Top 3 female runners on Day 5

Lisa Watson 10:20:05

Bridget Glaister 12:11:41

Victoria Morris 13:33:25

Top 3 male runners on Day 5

James Nobles 09:38:29

David Jackson 09:54:43

James Keenan 10:19:03

Top 3 female runners overall

Lisa Watson 46:46:24

Bridget Glaister 57:25:04

Victoria Morris 59:26:27

Top 3 male runners overall

James Nobles 43:53:39

Chris Cope 44:42:43

David Jackson 45:27:54

Days Four and Five of the 2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race®