Dragon's Back Race

Cooler Weather on Day 4 as Runners Focus on the Finish

Press Release / 10.09.2021

The fourth day of the 2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race was another long course at 69km, but 2,300m of climbing was less than on each of the previous days. Conditions at last started to cool down and rain, along with some low cloud and mist, made an appearance for the first time during the event. Remote, trackless and tussocky moorland followed by a long stretch on unforgiving tarmac made going tough for the runners, but only three who set out didn’t complete the full day, leaving 102 still in the race.

Russell Bentley ran the fastest time of the day (7:09:59 and 33:34:49 overall) and clawed back seven minutes on Simon Roberts (7:17:00 / 32:16:08), who still holds a lead of 1:18:41. Matt O’Keefe (7:59:52 / 36:00:02) is another two hours and 25 minutes back, but is four hours ahead of new fourth placed athlete Orran Smith.

Leading woman, Katie Mills continues to move up the overall field and now lies eighth after another strong run (9:14:36 / 41:45:32). Elaine Bisson (10:29:17 / 45:34:01) is now almost four hours behind, while Cat Slater (11:18:41 / 47:51:38) continued to consolidate her third place position. There are now only nine women left in the full race.

The overnight campsite after day four is next to Towy Bridge Inn, which has traditionally proved to be very popular with both runners and the event team. However, that was when the Montane Dragon’s Back Race lasted for five days. This year’s race is one day – and 65km – longer, and the new day five route is a monster at 70km, including a traverse of the Brecon Beacons.

Competitors enjoyed the hospitality of the inn with moderation, not wanting to jeopardise their chances of completing the race and earning a coveted Dragon. With only just over 100 runners left in the full race, becoming a ‘Dragon Slayer’ this time around is proving to be more difficult than ever.

Race leader Simon Roberts comments: “I had a slow start and I was feeling lazy. Russell had started a few minutes ahead of me and I knew he would run well. I didn’t want to drop much time today, but he has a background in road running. When I ran past a friend in the race, they said Russell was miles ahead of me and that gave me a kick to get going a bit quicker. He had 30 minutes on me at the support point, but I got that down to nine minutes by the finish.  So, I am pleased with that. I am keen to get back in the mountains, which I prefer. Tomorrow will hopefully be a good day for me.” 

Katie Mills comments: “Today brings the total mileage in one week to the most I have ever run. It was a great day and more runnable than other days. It was also cooler and that helped a lot. Everyone in my tent was doing well, so that was really good to see. There was some tussocky stuff that was slow going today and my feet were a bit sore after yesterday’s running, so I tried to take it easy. I didn’t mind the road though.” 

Start – FagwyrFawr Farm

Finish – Towy Bridge Inn, Rhandirmwyn

Distance covered – 69km

Height climbed – 2,300m

Key features – Elan Valley and DrygarnFawr

Number of runners still in the full race after day three-105

Number of runners who didn’t complete the full day -3

Number of runners still in the full race after day four - 102