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Two men running over the mountains in Wales
Two men running over the mountains in Wales
Home Support Us Community and Challenge Events Dragon’s Back Race 2026

Dragon’s Back Race 2026

The Dragon’s Back Race® route is inspired by that of the 1992 race, in which the inaugural Dragons tackled Wales’ uniquely wild, trackless, and remote mountainous terrain.Today, it is considered to be the toughest mountain race in the world. Participants underestimate it at their peril! Be under no illusion, this is not a ‘trail race’.

Running

Dragon’s Back Race 2026

Have you got what it takes to take on the Dragon?

The Dragon’s Back Race is a legendary 380km, 6-day ultra running journey through Wales.

We have ONE free charity space (valued at £1,899) available to give away!

The race starts at Conwy Castle on September 7th 2026 and finishes at Cardiff Castle on September 12th.

*You must commit to fundraising a minimum of £2,000 for Wales Air Ambulance*

Photo credit | ©Dragon’s Back Race | No Limits Photography

Apply Now

The Route

Conwy Castle to Nant Gwynant

50km (31 miles) | 4100m (13,500ft)

Northern Snowdonia has the rockiest mountains! The Carneddau, Glyderau, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) massif await.

Nant Gwynant to Dolgellau

60km (37.5 miles) | 3200m (10,500t)

Southern Snowdonia has a special gnarliness! Welcome to the Moelwynion and Rhinogydd.

Dolgellau to Ceredigion

66km (41 miles) | 2900m (9,500ft)

Leaving Southern Snowdonia over Cadair Idris and heading into the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales

Through the Elan Valley

70km (44 miles) | 1900m (6,250ft)

Mid Wales continues into the Elan Valley and westernmost Powys.

Into the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

72km (45 miles) | 3200m (10,500ft)

Rural South Wales beckons but the sting in the Dragon’s tail is a traverse from The Black Mountain to the Bannau Brycheiniog!

To Cardiff Castle

65km (40.5 miles) | 1300m (4,250ft)

The capital of Wales awaits! Leaving the Brecon Beacons National Park and diving into the South Wales Valleys.

Considered to be one of the toughest mountain races in the world, participants attempting the Full Course will need to cover 380km with 16,400m of ascent along the Dragon’s Back of Wales.

Where

Conwy Castle to Cardiff Castle

When

7-12 September 2026

Fundraising Target

Minimum of £2,000

Tickets

Free – if you hit fundraising target

Enter to win a Dragon’s Back 2026 place!

Two men running over the mountains in Wales