The Fire has been lit at the tenth edition of the legendary Dragon’s Back Race®!
Athletes From Around the World Gather in Wales to Tame the Infamous Dragon
A fiery start in Conwy Castle ©No Limits Photography
The atmosphere was electric yesterday morning as crowds of spectators and competitors gathered at the magnificent Conwy Castle, the start venue for the ultimate stage race: the six-day Dragon’s Back Race®. First ran in 1992, this legendary race was resurrected by Ourea Events back in 2012, with this year marking a historic milestone for the event: its tenth anniversary.
As runners stepped into the fire, embarking on their journey south, Event Director, Shane Ohly reflected;
“As we celebrate the 10th edition of the Dragon’s Back Race, I’m reminded once again that this isn’t just a race, it’s an adventure like no other. From Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, the Dragon’s Back Race has become a truly iconic global event - a bucket-list challenge that continues to inspire and evoke a sense of awe in trail runners worldwide. To run the length of Wales, from mountain summit to summit, and through beautiful terrain, is a feat that few attempt and even fewer complete.
To every runner who has dared to line up for the 2025 Dragon’s Back Race: you have my deepest respect. This is a challenge that demands everything - physically, mentally, emotionally - and your courage, resilience and determination define the very spirit of this event. Thank you for continuing to inspire all of us and for keeping the legend of the Dragon alive.”
Family and friends fill the historic Castle walls ©No Limits Photography
The start of their 380km journey through Wales ©No Limits Photography
Participants travelled down to the Welsh coastal town of Conwy for Registration Day on Sunday. Nerves were running high as kit was checked, safety briefings were delivered and the all important race numbers were collected. The day was rounded off with a huge helping of creamy and delicious veggie Lasagne, to fuel the fire for the big adventure ahead.
The Dragon awoke at 06:00am as the class of 2025 set off for six-days traversing the 380km spine of Wales. The first two days have a reputation for being some of the most technically challenging terrain of the entire route, as runners make their way into the dramatic mountains of the Carneddau, Glyderau, Snowdon massif and the notorious Rhinogydd.
The Dragon’s Back route comes face to face with the infamous Grade 1 ridge scramble of Crib Goch, but with the weather forecast indicating high winds, persistent rain, poor visibility, alongside a potential lightning risk, our Event Control team issued an alternative route that avoided the Crib Goch ridge. No doubt some participants will be have been relieved, while others disappointed but their safety is our highest priority and these decisions are carefully considered. The diversion saw the runners reaching the 1,085m peak of Yr Wyddfa - the highest mountain in Wales.
©No Limits Photography
Despite the gnarly Welsh weather conditions, spirits remained high as our runners passed through the Support Point at the beautiful Llyn Ogwen. At the Support Points they have access to their Drop Bags, a welcome opportunity to stock up on fuel and no doubt keep on top of their foot care - an essential ingredient to a successful stage race.
As runners left the Support Point towards the mighty Tryfan, the path was almost unrecognisable due to the heavy rainfall creating a waterfall, gushing down the rocky trail. A challenging start to a tough week.
©No Limits Photography
A Strong Start From Parrish
David Parrish, who won the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2023 and finished 2nd the Northern Traverse in 2024 has had a phenomenal start and led this year’s Dragon’s Back Race from the off. The Scot - who looked very strong as he came through Llyn Ogwen - crossed the line in 08:11:36 time with a 5 minute lead on second place, Ed Brewer, one of the youngest competitors in this year’s race. Ed claimed the morning downpours had been biblical! “Five of us were running together at that point and we just stopped talking and got our hoods up and heads down”.
Parrish said he knew the ground on Day One and planned to push harder on this first day but with unknown ground ahead, he’ll need his map in his hand throughout Day Two.
Danny Gomme arrived in Camp One at Nant Gwynant in 08:18:56 closing a tight Men’s podium for Day One.
David Parrish leading the race on Day One ©No Limits Photography
Girl on fire!
With a spectacular sprint finish into Camp One alongside Danny, Holly Wootten crossed the line looking calm and in control in first place and fourth overall in 08:19:02. Ed and Danny claiming she was “on fire” all day! Holly dominated the women’s field creating a staggering 1 hour 20 minute lead between her and second place female Eleanor Johnstone. Lianne Van Dijk, who finished Northern Traverse in 2nd place just earlier this year came across the line in third place in 10:18:59. A fierce race start for the ladies this year.
Holly Wootten looking strong on the climb up Yr Wyddfa ©No Limits Photography
Dragon’s Fire
Today our Dragon’s plunge directly south towards Dolgellau, into some of the most broken, remote terrain of the race. The mountains they face may be smaller than those conquered on Day One but they should not be underestimated. With another 60km to cover, it’s set to be an exciting day as the rain persists and conditions underfoot continue to deteriorate.
With the introduction of the Dragon’s Fire for 2026, next year will take the fierce competition in these notorious mountains up a level, as Fire participants take on the first 100km of the full race route at pace.
Read more about the new two-day event here. Entries are now open and over 50% sold out.
Take on Dragon’s Fire in 2026 ©No Limits Photography
Battling the elements
While the communal marquee at Nant Gwynant was buzzing with activity - runners tucking into salty hot chips and soup, swapping stories of their first encounter with the Dragon, and getting to know their camp mates – those still out on the hills were battling through squalls of rain and buffeting winds. For them, the day’s stretched longer, every slippery descent and rocky climb eating into the precious hours usually spent on food, admin and rest.
Chasing cut-offs only heightens the pressure, knowing that late arrival in Camp means less recovery before the next dawn start. Yet this is where their hardiness shines: some Dragon’s made it just in time for the 10:00pm cut off. Some returned to Camp long after dark, which will result in them joining our Hatchlings and starting Day Two from the Cwm Bychan Support Point.
Climbing up into the clouds on Lliwedd ©No Limits Photography
The iconic Adam & Eve on Tryfan ©No Limits Photography
2025 leaderboard
Top 3 men on Day 1
David Parrish (08:11:36)
Ed Brewer (08:16:12)
Danny Gomme (08:18:56)
Top 3 women on Day 1
Holly Wootten (08:19:02)
Eleanor Johnstone (09:41:43)
Lianne Van Dijk (10:18:59)
Ellis Brigham athlete Jodie Gauld finished 4th Female ©No Limits Photography
Tune in at 8am for more!
Our first episode of the daily Dragon’s Back Race® show will go LIVE at 8am this morning!
Join Lowri Morgan as we bring you all the coverage from Day One of the event. Hear from our race leaders David Parrish and Holly Wootten and see some of the breathtaking and atmospheric scenery for yourself.
Follow the Race Live
Fans, friends, and family can follow every twist and turn of the race via the live GPS tracking page throughout their entire journey.
Live Tracking & Dragon Mail™
Send daily motivational messages directly to participants using the Dragon Mail™ service - helping runners push through the darkest moments.
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.
The historic castle walls ©No Limits Photography