The Dragon’s Back Race 2012

The Dragon Stirs

The original Dragon’s Back Race happened just once in September 1992. Many considered it to be the toughest mountain running event ever organised and now, almost twenty years to the day, this legendary multiday race is returning. Starting at Conwy Castle in North Wales, the 5 day stage race will follow closely the original route – along the mountainous spine of Wales southwards finishing at Carreg Cennen Castle in the Brecon Beacons. The course is approximately 320km long with 15,000m of ascent, across remote and wild terrain. The 2012 Dragon’s Back Race is being sponsored by Berghaus and starts at 0700 on Monday 3rd September. Competitors will gather in the inner courtyard of the imposing Conwy Castle, where they will be accompanied by the atmospheric singing of Maelgwn Male Voice Choir, who are multiple winners of the Welsh National Eisteddfod competition. During the countdown to the start the runners will be handed the day one map, giving them their first opportunity to see the course… and it’s a monster with the planner’s optimum route being 52km with 4468m of ascent! The race will be officially started by Cllr Dr Stuart Anderson (Chairperson of Conwy County Borough Council) and Cllr Cedric Rigal (Mayor of Conwy Town Council) and the competitors have received special permission to race out along the ancient town walls of Conwy before heading up to the Carneddau, Glyders, Snowdon and beyond…

Helen Whitaker and Steve Birkinshaw Photo by Berghaus

With the friends and family of the competitors and local well-wishers expected, it is likely to be a busy start and anyone is welcome to come along and cheer off the runners. The best viewing spot will be Conwy Castle Visitor Centre, Rose Hill Street, Conwy, LL32 8LD. As with the original race, the 2012 Dragon’s Back Race™ has attracted a strong international field with competitors coming from 14 different countries, including Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA, Australia and Canada.

The competitors will be following a route that journeys through the following areas and details of the route will be published online each morning along with results, photos and video.

• Monday 3rd September – Carneddau, Glyders and Snowdon area • Tuesday 4th September – Moelwyns and Rhinogs area • Wednesday 5th September – Cadair Idris and Plynlimon area • Thursday 4th September – Elan Valley area • Friday 5th September – Black Mountain area

Visit the Lair of The Dragon, The Dragons Back Race.com

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