Competition Set to Heat Up at the 2024 Dragon’s Back Race®
Over 350 ultra runners from around the world are preparing for the 2024 Dragon’s Back Race®, set to begin at 6am on Monday, 2nd September.
Participants from 26 nations will converge for the iconic 6-day challenge, covering 380km from Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle, with a staggering 17,400m of ascent, before finishing at Cardiff Castle on Saturday, 7th September.
Since its revival in 2012, the Dragon’s Back Race® has become renowned as the ultimate mountain-running challenge. The course traverses the rugged spine of Wales, including legendary peaks such as Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Tryfan, the Glyders, and Pen y Fan. Last year, only a third of the starters completed the full course within the cut offs, earning the prestigious ‘Dragon Slayer’ title.
However, a growing element to the event is the Hatchling course – a shorter and more accessible option, which allows participants to have the same Dragon’s Back Race® experience while completing half days. If full course participants miss a cut off, they are still allowed to continue their journey on the Hatchling course. Last year, nearly half of the participants who started the race ended up completing the ‘Hatchling’ course, and we are excited to see this year’s event build on the success of the ‘Hatchling’.
Rising Stars and Defending Champions
In the men’s race, former Dragon’s Back Race® champion Simon Roberts is a top contender. The SCARPA athlete became a household name when he won the 2021 edition of the event, and he has subsequently gone on to win the 2022 Spine Challenger North and the 2023 Cheviot Goat. Roberts is expected to deliver a strong performance.
He faces competition from a formidable field, including Max King, a Salomon athlete from the USA, renowned for his 100km World Mountain Running Championship win in 2014. Jon Shield, the 2023 Spine Sprint winner, and Dougie Zinis, double Bob Graham Round record holder and 4th in this year’s Spine Race, are also anticipated to challenge for the podium. SCARPA athlete, Gabe Joyes, a top American SCARPA athlete, and Lewis Ryan, fresh off victories at the Arc 50 and South Downs Way 50, will further intensify the competition.
Simon Roberts won the race in 2021 ©No Limits Photography
Female Contenders Set for an Epic Battle
On the women’s side, the race promises to be equally thrilling. SCOTT athlete Jo Meek, the 2023 Cape Wrath Ultra winner and current female record holder, brings impressive credentials. However she faces stiff competition from fellow Cape Wrath Ultra alumnus Laura O’Driscoll, who won the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2022 in spite of suffering an injury. Elsa Morgan, the runner-up at the 2024 Cape Wrath Ultra, has the chance to achieve a historic double by securing completions at both the Cape Wrath Ultra and the Dragon’s Back Race®. Additionally, Zoe Murphy, who finished in 4th place in 2021, is returning and looking to improve on her result. She is on good form, having won the inaugural SheUltra and Chester 50 Ultra.
Jo Meek is the current course record holder for the Cape Wrath Ultra® ©No Limits Photography
Some inspirational participants are lining up
Among the inspiring field of runners, several notable participants stand out.
Jeff Glasbrenner, a Paralympian and the first American amputee to climb Everest, brings an incredible story of resilience and triumph. Matt Whyman, author of 'Failure is an Option,' will be returning to tackle the race with unfinished business. Elite British rower Brianna Stubbs, who has won gold at the World Rowing Championships and qualified for the Ironman World Championships, will make her mark in ultra running. And at 72 years old, Buzz Burrell, a legendary ultra-runner and one of the founders of the concept of Fastest Known Times (FKTs), will be competing with his vast experience and enduring spirit.
Event Highlights and Support
The 2024 Dragon’s Back Race® will be supported by a dedicated team of 178 crew members, ensuring the smooth running of the event while minimizing environmental impact.
Race Director Shane Ohly comments: “Once again, I am thrilled and honoured that Ourea Events is organising 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. There’s sure to be some intense competition at the front of the race and some unforgettable moments for our huge audience of online dot watchers, captivated by the trials and tribulations of the participants. None of this would be possible without the support of hundreds of landowners and stakeholders, and we are very grateful for their support. Finally, I'd like to personally thank our dedicated Event Team, who will once again go above and beyond to ensure that everyone involved has an incredible time, turning their dream into life-affirming experiences.”
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