2021 Race Director’s Report
Introduction
After such an epic week, this Race Director’s Report couldn’t possibly start without a huge congratulations to all the runners who took on the challenge of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® this year. Of course, hand-in-hand with this congratulations is a massive thank you to the truly awesome Event Team who grafted to make it all happen.
I’ve always suspected that adverse weather would impact the percentage of finishers, although I had assumed that this would be wet and windy weather. Last week record breaking temperatures turned Snowdonia into a furnace making running conditions in the mountains extremely tough and this is reflected in the large drop out rate on days one to three, and the overall low completion rate.
2012 - Starters 82, Finishers 32 – Finishing rate: 39%
2015 - Starters 142, Finishers 65 – Finishing rate: 45%
2017 - Starters 223, Finishers 127 – Finishing rate: 56%
2019 - Starters 402, Finishers 251 – Finishing rate: 62%
2021 – Starters 367, Finishers 90 – Finishing rate: 24%
There is so much hyperbole when phrases like ‘hardest’, ‘toughest’ and ‘extreme’ are routinely used to describe relatively mundane and ordinary races. Whilst clearly someone could always create a harder race, I believe that the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® achieves that fine balance between extreme challenge and commercial reality. Clearly the event deserves it’s “World’s Toughest Mountain Race” reputation with a challenge that is clearly defined and fair: you simply need to run the length of Wales via a course defined by many of the country’s iconic mountain summits. This is not a race you can blag your way through, and only the most well prepared, well trained and determined runners will stand a chance of reaching the grand finish in Cardiff Castle.
2nd placed Russell Bentley making Crib Goch look very easy on day one! ©No Limits Photography
Our new Dragon champions! Katie and Simon - Congratulations! ©No Limits Photography
The consequences of the hot weather
I have heard some runners complaining that we – as the organisers – should have done more to help them during the first three hot days. Some have suggested we should have mandated wearing sun hats, carrying 3L of water or adding in additional water points. We discussed this at the time, and I have reflected on this since, and each time come to the same conclusion: It remains the runner’s responsibility to arrive at the race properly prepared and experienced. By this I mean being able to interpret the course, foresee the implications of the weather forecast, use experience to adapt their nutrition and hydration strategies and more. Having the background of mountain experience is just as valuable as the physical preparation. The weather – good or bad – is always going to have as much impact on the participants as the distance, height gain and rough ground. This is the race where mountain craft meets mountain running and there is no substitute for hard earned experience. The fact that 90 runners did complete the course, did deal with the hot weather, did manage their hydration and nutrition, did look after their feet etc, demonstrates that success was possible. If you want a guaranteed outcome, Park Run on Saturday morning is the best place for you.
From a race management perspective, the hot weather on those initial days presented us with the daunting task of triaging and prioritising dozens of emergency phone calls from participants each day. Many participants requested help retiring from the course whilst describing the symptoms of Exercise-Related Heat Exhaustion. The challenge for us was shifting through these calls and identifying the runners who really needed emergency help, and encouraging the ones who didn’t to rest, seek shade, and then retire under their own steam. Our role as the organiser is to balance the structure and rules of the event, with individual responsibility (of the participants), and to always provide an emergency safety net, whilst retaining the nature of the challenge.
Scorching temperatures made day two in the Rhinogydd even more challenging! ©No Limits Photography
A new type of challenge
I appreciate that those last paragraphs could easily sound arrogant - that’s not my intention. The new day 5 and additional day 6 route clearly made the event an even more formidable undertaking - an almost unprecedented, mountain running challenge. Once we had made the decision to complete the full and logical journey to South Wales, and decided to finish in Cardiff Castle, the macro level route planning quickly fell into place and it was clear that the new day 5 was going to be a fearsome mountain running day in its own right and change the nature of the race.
I recognise that everyone who started the race in Conwy Castle will have invested significantly in their participation for the event. I am not talking about the financial cost of the entry fee, equipment, clothing, accommodation and travel, which I recognise is significant. I am talking about the dream of finishing a life-time challenge and the priceless emotional investment that goes with the preparation for a challenge like this. This is the time away from family and friends, hundreds of hours of training, the lows of injuries and highs of improving fitness and confidence. I absolutely recognise that everyone who arrived in Conwy ready to race had made a massive personal investment just to be there. For those that were unable to complete the full course, I have nothing but respect for their ability to change their mindset and focus on a new goal of completing partial days and making the most of their week long running holiday in Wales. I am certain that this will have given them invaluable experience and contribute to their success when they return in the future.
In previous years it has been notable that runners have focused on ‘getting their baby dragon’. This year the focus definitely changed to ‘getting to Cardiff Castle’. I have spoken lots about the reasons for moving the finish to Cardiff Castle and I believe, just as I experienced whilst recce’ing the new day 6 route, that those first sights of Cardiff and the south coast of Wales in the distances just make perfect sense, and the grand finale of Cardiff Castle is a fitting end point for an undertaking as gigantic as the Montane Dragon’s Back Race®.
From Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle - the full journey and challenge is complete ©No Limits Photography
My highlights from the weeks
There were many notable and impressive achievements from the runners last week. Determination and sheer grit were on display in abondance! However, I would like to highlight the remarkable achievement of Greg Crowley, who has completed all five of the modern editions of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race®. That is seriously impressive!
On display, and in abundance, was a palpable sense of camaraderie and this is one of the very special aspects of the event. Special moments for me included; our champions, Katie Mills and Simon Roberts, presenting the ‘last finisher’ trophy to Nathan Whittaker on the finish line - this was extremely special; the obvious bond forged by fearsome racing between Simon Roberts and Russell Bentley; the runners who jeopardised their own race to stop and assist others, like Alastair Hubbard, Karl Williams and Huw Pullen (I am sure there are more). All this condensed into those emotional scenes on the finish line at Cardiff Castle as families, partners, friends, children, and pets were all reunited after 6 gruelling days - we even had a marriage proposal! It was all truly special.
Our Dragon Champions Simon and Katie, presenting the last finisher trophy to Nathan Whittaker on the finish line ©No Limits Photography
Exhaustion, tears and joy - all on show at the finish line in Cardiff Castle ©No Limits Photography
The impact of Covid-19
This report wouldn’t be complete without mentioning COVID-19 and the impact this pandemic has had on runners’ preparation and training for the event, and of course, the myriad of challenges this has presented to us as organisers. At its peak, the event had 650 entries. Uncertainty around COVID-19 rules and travel restrictions saw almost all of our international participants being unable to attend. I sincerely hope that the 2022 edition will be swelled with these international participants and the multicultural aspect of the race will be restored. I look forward to welcoming you all.
As per Welsh government guidelines, everyone wore a facemask in enclosed spaces ©No Limits Photograhy
A new relationship with Montane
The Dragon’s Back Race® relationship with the previous sponsor ended after the 2019 event and we knew there would be a two-year window before the next race. This gave us plenty of time to find a new title sponsor and I was determined to build a relationship with an authentic brand that had a range of mountain running products relevant to the race. Montane was the natural fit and I was delighted earlier this year when we were able to agree a long-term partnership. Montane’s pedigree of supporting many of the world’s most demanding races and their superb range of mountain running specific products make them an ideal title sponsor. It was also clear that participants had made a similar choice with many runners sporting Montane vests and clothing during the race. I am very much looking forward to working with Montane in the years ahead.
Montane were present throughout the week, such as at race registration ©No Limits Photography
Thanks to the Event Team
As I drove home from Cardiff, I couldn’t help but reflect that this year’s Event Team is probably the very best group of people we have ever had on an event. They worked tirelessly to help deliver an extremely complex and demanding event and I have nothing by praise, admiration and respect for this awesome team of people. Thank you.
Catering team
Anne Marie Lord
Claire Wickham
Daisy Sturgeon-Lowe
Daniel Steggles
Fiona Murphy
Gareth Grey
Heather Ohly
Hilary Malyon
Julia Gregersten
Julia Savory
Laura Smith
Nicola McNally
Philippa Symonds
Tim Glasby
Tim Price
Timothy Swan-Smith
Tom Hartley
Tony Harris
The catering team making sure the kitchen runs smoothly day and night ©No Limits Photography
Checkpoint team
Colin Harding
Dave Bright
Duncan Anderson
Iona Pawson
Kristof Nowicki
Lawrence Jones
Louise Beetlestone
Michael Murray
Sarah Harmon
Tom Withers
Matthew Harmon
Iona Pawson sorting our checkpoint flags pre-race ©No Limits Photography
Info point
Angela Emms
Early morning shift on the Info point for Ourea Event finance manager Neil Davies ©No Limits Photography
Main camp team
Alun Wood
Andrea Harwood
Andy Collings
Angela White
Barry Hirons
David Mackie
David Macklin
Ed Hazeldean
Ellie Pocock
Gemma Colling
Heather Driscoll
Ian Hawley
Jacob Holder
James Nobles
Jennifer Forbes
Kate Peel
Kirk Hardwick
Natalie Proctor
Patricia Patterson
Paul Beard
Peter Frost
Peter Huzan
Peter O'kane
Phil Davies
Rachel Jones
Rhiannon Wescott
Trelawny Wylie
Warren Renkel
Will Caress
Will Terry
The main camp team looking after you every step of the way - and putting up all the tents! ©No Limits Photography
Media team
Chris Lines
Dan Cooke
Ellie Green
Fiona Russell
Harriet D'Alessio
Christiaan Le Roux
Lowri Morgan
Mark Lockett
Matt Green
Matt Ward
Phill Rodham
Stephen Ashworth
Steve Ashworth capturing stories for the daily films ©No Limits Photography
Medical team
Charlotte Hattersley
Debbie Simpson
Ellen Rawlinson
Morag Bowie
Nia Albiston
Nick Watson
Nicola Sommers
Sian Harris
The medical team prepping for action in Conwy ©No Limits Photography
Operational support team
Alex Moreman
David Cope
Fiona Massey
Freddie Mann
Harry Cooling
Jonathan Lees
Joshua Branch
Louise Greenwood
Michael Brogden
Paul O'Reilly
Seb Boulton Oliver
Will Oliver
Zakius Benaton
Mike Brogden at work in Conwy ©No Limits Photography
Ourea Events management team
Charlie Williamson
Graham Gristwood
Janie Oates
Lisa Knipe
Lucy Scrase
Neil Davies
Shane Ohly
Sue Dowker
Tom Hecht
The Ourea Events office team deep in conversation on day 4 ©No Limits Photography
Race Control team
Abbi Forsyth
Chris Mills
David Taylor
Gordon Parker
James Thurlow
Matthew Gemmell
Response team
Dan Romberg
Dave Howarth
Rich Griffiths
Simon Verspeak
Stuart Smith
Tom Chivers
The response team prepping for action in Conwy ©No Limits Photography
Start/Finish team
Carl Bradford
Ciaran Considine
Emma Hadley
Julie Gardner
Lotty Bradford
The start / finish team looking after you on those early mornings! ©No Limits Photography
Support point team
Alex Heath
Andy Towne
Antonio Sergio Cunha
Ed Walker
John Irvine
Littledave Cumins
Manouk Bakermans
Nick Stafford
The support point team looking after you out on the course ©No Limits Photography
Technical Services Team
Philip Sturgeon
Tom Rouse
Ian Cowie
Our technical services team keeping things moving behind the scenes with our plumbing and electrics ©No Limits Photography
Wrangling Team
Fiona Brannan
Jade Phillips
Water point team
Carwyn Phillips
Ian Brandreth
Our water point team putting a smile on your face during day 4 ©No Limits Photography
Dragon Mail™
James Thurlow and Chris Mills were the technical geniuses from Open Tracking ensuring our trackers were functioning and that Dragon Mail™ was available. There were almost 10,000 Dragon Mail™ messages sent to the participants during the week, but around 1600 were not printed either because people posted messages after participants left the event or perhaps runners forgot to collect their messages on the final day. If you want to read you messages nip over to the tracking page and tap on your name, under your photo you will see the messages posted.
Receiving Dragon Mail in camp! ©No Limits Photography
Thanks to all landowners and stakeholders along the route
This includes thanks to: the National Trust, Snowdonia National Park Association, Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Water, Brecon Beacons National Park Association, Elan Valley Estate, Baron Hill Estate, Cnewr Estate, Honorable Artillery Company, Gelligaer and Merthyr Common.
Then also thanks to the overnight camps: Gwastadanas Farm, Vanner Campsite, Fagr Fawr Farm, Llwyny-y-Ceiliog Farm, and Llwynbedw farm; and Ysgol Porth Y Felin (our event centre in Conwy), Conwy Castle, and Cardiff Castle.
We would also like to thank the following Councils: Conwy County Borough Council, Gwynedd County Council, Ceredigion County Council, Powys County Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Merthyr Tydfil County Council, Caerphilly County Council, Rhondda Cynon Taf County, and Cardiff County Council.
Thanks to everyone along the route for working with us to make the event a success! ©No Limits Photography
Event coverage
We hope your friends and family watching from home enjoyed our live coverage of the event from our brilliant media team, and also watching the participant dots gradually head south on the GPS Tracker page.
Event blogs
The event blogs in the news section of our website give a great insight into how the journey unfolded for all participants, those at the back of the race and also those leading the way. There are also plenty of top tips and advice in these blog posts to help any prospective participants prepare for a journey through Wales!
Photos
No Limits Photography were on the ground every day capturing some amazing shots for the official event photography - to be used on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, on our website, and in the press.
Bib Number Photography were also in attendance, and there were two photographers taking photos of each participant, every day. These photos are now available to be viewed (and purchased) here:
To find photos of your journey through Wales on the 2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race® use the selfie search to ensure you don’t miss any!
There is currently a 10% discount in place for around 72 hours!
Film
Summit Fever Media and Steve Ashworth, along with presenters Lowri Morgan and Matt Ward, produced some excellent daily highlight films that have received brilliant feedback. Posted each day on Facebook and YouTube and then the following day on Instagram, these films really helped viewers to share the adventure and follow the action in near real time. The films have now been viewed thousands of times, and we hope that they provide perfect inspiration and insight for those looking to take on the Dragon in the future.
Ongoing health
Whether you completed the full course or not, every one of the participants’ bodies has taken a significant battering, and we would highly recommend an extended period of recovery now. Anecdotally, it seems that having 4 weeks rest, followed by around 10 weeks of light exercise works well. All too often we have seen participants in our expedition length races return to running too early, and end up with chronic fatigue and injury problems. Take the time to let your bodies heal!
It’s time to let your body rest up! ©No Limits Photography
Feedback
Feedback is very important to us. Whatever you have to say, positive or negative, we are keen to hear your thoughts. Whilst we don’t promise to incorporate every piece of feedback received, we do promise to read and consider it carefully. Participant feedback has helped refine and improve the event from one edition to the next and it has been instrumental in polishing the details and the event is better for it. So, please don’t be shy and send any comments you have using our contact form or email us directly.
Happy faces on the day three finish line ©No Limits Photography
What’s next?
2022 SILVA Great Lakeland 3Day™
A relaxed and friendly 3 day mountain journey around the beautiful fells of the Lake District. 4 courses on offer from Cafe to Expert so something suitable for every level and experience. This is often cited as a brilliant event to build on multi-day racing experience so great preparation for future participation in the Montane Dragon’s Back Race®!
Entries are now open for the 2022 event on 30th April - 2nd May (the early May bank holiday weekend).
Join us in the Lake District next May for the SILVA Great Lakeland 3Day™ ©Steve Ashworth
2022 Cape Wrath Ultra®
Loved the multi-day racing experience? Well come and join us for 8 amazing days of running through the stunning Scottish Highlands on the epic Cape Wrath Ultra® - our other expedition race, starting in Fort William and winding its way through some iconic Scottish landscapes to finish at the Cape Wrath lighthouse, the most north-westerly tip of the British Isles.
There are still a few places left for the May 2022 event on 22nd - 29th May.
The stunning and remote landscapes there to be enjoyed on the 2022 Cape Wrath Ultra® ©No Limits Photography
2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race®
Maybe you have unfinished business, or maybe you just had such a great adventure, you would like to return and join us again for an awesome and epic journey through stunning Wales. In this case, we are excited to say that entries are now open for the 2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race® on 5th - 10th September 2022 - See you there!
One final note
I am often asked whether I have done the course by participants, and landowners often ask if I’ll be doing the race with the participants (!). I have most certainly run the entire course, but in shorter overlapping sections and not in a continuous 6-day block. I know the course well, but I haven’t had the same experience as the participants. Another question I am often asked if whether I’d rather be organising or racing. This year’s Montane Dragon’s Back Race® has truly inspired me and one day, I do hope to be on the start line alongside all of you.
The 2021 Race Director’s briefing ©No Limits Photography
We know it has been an emotional journey and we hope the memories of your Welsh expedition race stay with you forever. Rest up for now and we look forward to seeing you again soon for another adventure!
Yours in mountain running,
Shane Ohly,
2021 Montane Dragon’s Back Race® Race Director