Dragon's Back Race

Competition Heats Up for the 2024 Dragon’s Back Race

Press Release / 05.09.2024

The stage is set for an intense showdown as over 350 ultra runners from 26 nations prepare to take on the 2024 Dragon’s Back Race®, starting at 6am on Monday, September 2nd. This iconic six-day event challenges participants to cover a gruelling 380km course from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, with an elevation gain of 16,400m. The race will culminate on Saturday, September 7th at Cardiff Castle.

Since its revival in 2012, the Dragon’s Back Race® has earned a reputation as the ultimate mountain-running challenge, traversing the rugged spine of Wales and featuring legendary peaks such as Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Tryfan, the Glyders, and Pen y Fan. Last year, only a third of the runners completed the full course within the cutoffs, achieving the coveted 'Dragon Slayer' status, although many more completed the ‘Hatchling’ course, a shorter course designed be more accessible while delivering the same epic experience of a journey through Wales.

Elite Runners to Watch

In the men’s race, previous champion Simon Roberts is a standout favourite. The SCARPA athlete, known for his victory in the 2021 Dragon’s Back Race®, as well as wins at the 2022 Spine Challenger North and 2023 Cheviot Goat, is expected to deliver a formidable performance. He faces stiff competition from a strong field, including Salomon athlete Max King from the USA, 2014 World Mountain Running Championship winner, Jon Shield, the 2023 Spine Sprint victor, and Dougie Zinis, a double Bob Graham Round record holder and top-four finisher in the 2023 Spine Race. Adding to the competition are SCARPA athletes Gabe Joyes and Lewis Ryan, fresh from his victory at the Arc 50.

On the women’s side, SCOTT athlete Jo Meek, the 2023 Cape Wrath Ultra winner and current female record holder, leads the charge. She will face fierce competition from Laura O’Driscoll, the 2022 Cape Wrath Ultra champion, Elsa Morgan, the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra runner-up, and Zoe Murphy, a strong contender returning to improve on her 4th place finish in 2021, bolstered by recent wins at the inaugural SheUltra.

Inspiring Participants

This year’s race features several inspiring participants. Jeff Glasbrenner, a Paralympian and the first American amputee to summit Everest, brings an incredible story of perseverance. Matt Whyman, author of Failure is an Option, returns to tackle the race again. Elite British rower Brianna Stubbs, who has won gold at the World Rowing Championships and qualified for the Ironman World Championships, will test her mettle in ultra running. At 72, Buzz Burrell, a legendary ultra-runner and one of the founders of the Fastest Known Time (FKT) concept, will compete, showcasing his enduring spirit.

The 2024 Dragon’s Back Race® is organised by Ourea Events, and will be supported by a dedicated team of 178 crew members, ensuring the event runs smoothly while minimizing its environmental impact.

Event Director Shane Ohlycomments: “I am thrilled and honoured that Ourea Events is once again organizing the Dragon's Back Race®. On Monday, September 2nd, 350 runners from around the world will embark on an incredible journey to run the length of Wales, linking Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle over six epic days. We anticipate fierce competition and unforgettable moments for our large audience of online dot watchers. None of this would be possible without the support of hundreds of landowners and stakeholders, and we are very grateful for their cooperation. I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Event Team, who ensure that everyone involved has an incredible, life-affirming experience.”

Stay tuned for live updates and follow the race on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can track the race via the live GPS tracking here: https://live.opentracking.com/dragonsbackrace2024/