The start of the fourth edition of the legendary Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race is imminent.

On Monday 22nd May at 07:00 the toughest five-day mountain race in the world begins at Conwy Castle, North Wales.

230 participants from 24 nations are on the start list including:

• Brit Jim Mann, winner in 2015

• Carol Morgan from Ireland, one of the favourites for 2017

• Joe Faulkner, aiming to be the only person to complete every race since it was first held in 1992

• Vassos Alexander, radio and TV presenter and keen ultra-runner

Staged only three times before, in 1992, 2012 and 2015, the Dragon’s Back Race has acquired near mythical status in the adventure racing and ultra-running community.  The race follows the spine of Wales from north to south.  Over five days, participants will have to cover 315km and climb the equivalent of almost twice the height of Everest, navigating across wild, trackless, and remote mountainous terrain. It is the toughest five-day mountain race in the world and fewer than half of the runners who start are expected to complete the course.

The 2017 field is the biggest ever and includes some of the world’s very best ultra-runners, representing 24 nations. The 2017 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race will start in the courtyard of Conwy Castle, after a performance by Maelgwn Male Voice Choir. The runners will then race out along the ancient town walls of Conwy before heading up into the Carneddau, Glyders, Snowdon and beyond...

The public will be able follow the progress of the race thanks to live tracking, and the Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race team will be posting regular updates on social media throughout the event:

• Twitter – follow @DragonsBackRace and @TheRealBerghaus

• Instagram – follow @DragonsBackRace and @BerghausOfficial

• Facebook - DragonsBackRace

Dragon Mail™ is also back by popular demand for 2017 to send your messages of support straight to the tent!