As well as preparing for the Montane Dragon’s Back Race® throughout the preceding year, I’d also been writing a book. I love reading stories by elite endurance runners about their adventures, challenges and triumphs, and wanted to celebrate the experience from the middle to the back of a pack.

“I would not have stood a chance of completing it without the other athletes and the event team. You draw vital strength, camaraderie and support from your fellow competitors and it’s hard to grasp that in any training. All of the challenges and low points of the Montane Dragon’s Back Race are worth it when you get to share the journey with all those that come together to complete it with you”

“The Dragon’s Back Race Event Team are remarkable – they work tirelessly to support runners and each other. Being involved in the Dragon’s Back Race as a runner or a member of this team is a life-affirming week, for sure… I shared Tent 2 with quietly courageous, generous and inspiring females; each of them creating their own journey and successes… They were awesome to listen to and learn from”

“Looking back on it now, I’ve got a huge bank of incredible memories, of views, of people and of emotions. The crew were all amazing and the food was excellent… I’m not one for hyperbole but that was an epic week: my huge thanks to everyone who made it possible for a complete amateur like me to mix with real athletes and have such an incredible experience”

“It has been the most wonderful and challenging adventure. I’ve shared the trails with so many extraordinary characters, their positivity and strength inspirational. I have made memories that I will treasure forever. I really hope that I can find an experience that will rival this but I fear it will be hard to beat”

“One of the toughest yet most exciting adventures I've ever had. It exceeded all expectations and I met some truly inspiring people. I've never been surrounded by such supportive and encouraging volunteers!”

“The route is just amazing and a beautiful way to see Wales. There were many “wow” moments like the sunset from the Snowdon horseshoe on day one or the beautiful sunrise while climbing Cadair Idris on day 3. I was blown away by the remoteness of day 4 but my favourite stage was day 5. I did not know the route at all and I loved it”

“I absolutely loved the 2019 Dragon’s Back Race® - I met lots of cool and crazy people and had one hell of an adventure. Many lessons were learnt in 2019, and I will see if I can put said lessons to good use for 2021”

“From the moment I watched Conquering the Dragon, I was captivated. I was completely taken by the possibility of doing the race but didn’t think I was good enough. I couldn’t stop thinking about it; I kept revisiting the website and race videos and over time somehow convinced myself that with the right training and my own specific brand of stubbornness, I could get one of those coveted baby dragons”