On Monday 1st September 2025, hundreds of runners from across the globe gathered beneath the ancient walls of Conwy Castle to mark an historic milestone, the 10th edition of the legendary Dragon’s Back Race®. Since its inception, this iconic event has pushed endurance athletes to their limits, and this year promises to be no different.
Over six relentless days, participants will attempt to traverse the 380km spine of Wales, tackling knife-edge ridges, soaring peaks, and wild, untamed valleys as they make their way to the finish at Cardiff Castle.
Race Director Shane Ohly reflects on the past 10 years of the race: “To every runner who has dared to line up for the 2025 Dragon’s Back Race: you have my deepest respect. This is a challenge that demands everything – physically, mentally, emotionally – and your courage, resilience, and determination define the very spirit of this event. Thank you for continuing to inspire all of us and for keeping the legend of the Dragon alive.”
Ones to watch
Women’s Field
The women’s field for the Dragon’s Back Race® 2025 promises an exciting battle across the mountains. Altra athlete Holly Wootten arrives as one of the favourites, known for her consistency and explosive climbing power, while Jodie Gauld brings versatility and experience to the course. Suzy Whatmough, fresh from her SheRaces Trail Series victory, will be looking to build on that winning momentum, while Lianne Van Dijk is tipped to shine on the technical terrain despite making her Dragon’s Back debut.
Popular ultrarunner, writer, and podcaster Allie Bailey also joins the line-up, bringing her trademark grit, determination, and wealth of endurance racing experience to the challenge. Local runner Rhian Tazioli rounds out a highly competitive women’s field, combining strong form with valuable home-ground knowledge — making the women’s race one to watch from start to finish.
Men’s Field
In the men’s race, the field is just as intriguing, with an exciting blend of speed, strategy, and unique personalities. Pieter de Wortlaer brings a calm, calculated approach and the stamina to match, while previous Cape Wrath Ultra winner David Parrish enters as a dark horse with the endurance to upset the favourites. Ieuan Belshaw – A Dragon’s Back veteran, Cape Wrath Ultra finisher, and current FKT holder on the Mountain Goat Circuit in North Wales, expect him to attack hard from day one.
Meanwhile, fans will be watching Andrew Nunn closely alongside Federico Silva. Richard Elsworthy, a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham’s School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, brings both scientific insight and serious athletic ability to the race. With so many different strengths in the field, the fight for the men’s podium is set to be unpredictable and fiercely contested.
Fans, friends, and family can follow every twist and turn of the race via the live GPS tracking page, and send daily motivational messages directly to participants using the Dragon MailTM service — helping runners push through the darkest moments.
