Holly Wootten Sets A New Woman’s Record On The Tenth Edition Of The Dragon’s Back Race®
Emotions Run High As Athletes Reach Cardiff Castle.
Holly Wootten takes the women’s record ©No Limits Photography
Marking its tenth anniversary edition, the Dragon’s Back Race® once again lived up to its reputation as one of the toughest mountain races in the world. Over six relentless days, athletes have traversed the spine of Wales, from the historic start line at Conwy Castle to the triumphant finish at Cardiff Castle.
Along the way, they have faced soaring highs and crushing lows, as they endured some of the most testing weather conditions we’ve seen in the history of the Dragon’s Back Race. Now, after a journey worthy of legends, our dragons have reached the end of an unforgettable adventure.
live From Cardiff Castle
The sunshine came out to see the runners arrive in Cardiff, with the Castle framing the finish line as the perfect backdrop. Family and friends gathered and the atmosphere was emotional as the excited crowds, soaked up the sunshine, cheering in our class of 2025.
The atmosphere was electric in Cardiff ©No Limits Photography
David Parish was first to cross the line after holding an unwavering lead on the men’s race throughout the six days. Finishing in first position in a time of 48:40:14, David looked strong and composed throughout as he added another impressive win to his portfolio. David finished first on the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2023.
David was quoted at the finish line, "It's an honour and a privilege, quite a relief as well that it's over, I'm sure in a few days I will say I enjoyed it, but right now I can safely say that today was very much an ordeal on the body, I'm delighted that I got through that without any serious injury”
Scot David Parrish wins the Dragon’s Back Race ©No Limits Photography
Emotions running high at the finish ©No Limits Photography
Altra & Voom Athlete, Holly Wootten arrived into Cardiff Castle as first woman and second place overall, in a time of 50:46:16, taking a phenomenal 3 hours off the current Dragon’s Back Race women’s record set by Lisa Watson in 2022. Holly dominated the women’s race from the off, building a staggering 11 hour advantage on second position Jodie Gauld across the week. It was an emotional finish as Holly crossed the line alongside Ed Brewer - one of the youngest competitors on this year’s race at age 23 - our second placed male in a strong time of 52:25:14.
When presenter Lowri Morgan asked Holly what her plan was coming into the race this year, Wootten commented “I wanted to challenge and take the fight to the guys, I looked at how Jasmin Paris had done, women can compete in this race, it's long enough, there is a navigation element, I hatched a plan to do the race in 2023 as a recce. Coming into this week, it was all about the overall competition for me, after day one, we were all within a few minutes so I thought, let’s see where we go from here...”
Holly Wootten dominated the race from the start ©No Limits Photography
Holly Wootten and Ed Brewer cross the line in Cardiff ©No Limits Photography
Jodie Gauld (Ellis Brigham & Voom), finished as second woman, pushing through a difficult final two days to arrive in Cardiff in a blistering 61:02:09. Jodie crossed line exclaiming “That castle is the best sight I’ve seen all week!”. Lianne Van Dijk completed the 2025 Dragon’s Back women’s podium in 62:09:03, just one hour behind Jodie. This race rounds off an impressive year of racing for Lianne after placing second woman on this year’s 300km Northern Traverse.
An outstanding performance from Jodie Gauld ©No Limits Photography
Dutch athlete Lianne Van Dijk takes third place ©No Limits Photography
Welsh national, Ieuan Belshaw completed the Dragon’s Back men’s podium, finishing in third place in 57:53:24. Ieuan’s parter Siwan also ran the Hatchling course. The pair shared camp life together and took on the trails solo during the day. Hear all about Siwan’s adventure and her reason why, in our Day 4 video.
Ieuan Belshaw completes the men’s podium ©No Limits Photography
2025 dragon’s Back Race Results
Men’s Podium
David Parrish (48:40:14)
Ed Brewer (52:25:14)
Ieuan Belshaw (57:53:24)
Women’s Podium
Holly Wootten (50:46:16) - new record
Jodie Gauld (61:02:09)
Lianne Van Dijk (62:09:03)
Finish line celebrations ©No Limits Photography
An Anniversary Celebration
As the race celebrates an incredible milestone; its tenth edition, the party continued into the night at Cardiff Castle as the remaining few competitors completed their journey along the Dragon’s Back.
Among the many inspiring performances this year, Michael Burke delivered an extraordinary achievement by completing The Ourea Triple, conquering the Dragon’s Back Race, Cape Wrath Ultra, and The Northern Traverse, and in the same calendar year. Any triple chaser will have to complete 1,080km and 37,000+ metres of elevation in the UK’s toughest, wildest and most remote terrain.
2025 Stats
90 Dragon’s Back Race finishers - 32%
97 Hatchling finishers - 35%
Retired - 33%
Completing the Hatchling course! ©No Limits Photography
Spectators lined to cheer in the runners ©No Limits Photography
Tune in this evening for the race highlights!
Catch the final episode of the Dragon’s Back Race® show this evening.
Hear from our 2025 Dragon’s Back Race winners, plus finish line interviews and exciting coverage from yesterday’s tenth anniversary celebrations in the historic Cardiff Castle!
©No Limits Photography
Looking Ahead: Enter the 2026 dragon’s Back race
Think you have what it takes to slay the dragon? Entries for 2026 are now open, with two exciting new options for aspiring adventurers:
Dragon’s Fire – Conquer the first two days of the race.
Dragon’s Tail – Take on the final two days and cross the iconic finish line in Cardiff Castle.
Whether you're chasing the full six-day epic or dipping your toes into the fire, 2026 is your year.
Join us next year ©No Limits Photography