The Dragon’s Back Race 2024 is almost here! The 2024 edition of the ‘UK’s Toughest Race starts on the 2nd of September, and SCARPA are proud to be a supporting partner.
Read on for our preview of the Dragon’s Back Race 2024:
About the Dragon’s Back Race
6 Days, 380km & 17,400m of ascent – no wonder it is known as the toughest mountain race in the world!
Stretching right through the spine of Wales from Conwy Castle in the North to Cardiff Castle in the South the Dragon’s Back is an epic race – not for the feint hearted.
With daily ascents of up to 3800m and tough mountainous terrain this is not just a trail race. The route is unmarked with Dragon’s (the name for those who enter this race) following GPS and maps to reach summit checkpoints.
Team SCARPA at the Dragon’s Back Race 2024
Simon Roberts
Hometown: Pontypridd, Wales
Times Raced Dragon’s Back: 3 (1 win)
Favourite part: This is my 4th DBR and it still excites me. Its not just a race, its an experience, I cant wait for camp life in the evenings, its such a good laugh with everyone.
Least Favourite: Its not all fun and games, its a very hard course and it will test everyone. It always provides an aspect of the unknown, lets see what the dragon brings us this year.
Lewis Ryan
Hometown: Cardiff, WalesTimes Raced Dragon’s Back: 0
Favourite part: Above all, I’m really looking forward to being in the bubble of running and being in camp with like-minded people. And there’s something really nice about running back home to Cardiff.
Least Favourite: If it’s as hot as it’s been the last two years, I’ll have plenty to moan about.
Jon Shield
Hometown: Oswestry
Times Raced Dragon’s Back: 1
Favourite part: What I’m most looking forward to most is the stunning route and racing some exceptional athletes this year who are taking part.
Least Favourite: Day 2 (very slow going not very runnable, awkward terrain)
Gabe Joyes
Hometown: Lander, Wyoming, USA
Times Raced Dragon’s Back: 0 (and first time in Wales!)
Favourite part: I am over flowing with stoke to explore a new physical and cultural landscape.
Least Favourite: I am less excited about getting my body to work again each morning when I crawl out of my sleeping bag.
Tracking the Dragon's
Who is up for a week of obsessive dot watching?
You can keep track of the SCARPA team and all of the racers here: https://live.opentracking.com/dragonsbackrace2024/
SCARPA Team Bib numbers:
162 - Gabe Joyes
273 -Simon Roberts
282 - Lewis Ryan
291 - Jon Shield
We will be following the team all the way from Conwy to Cardiff - so check back for updates along the way.
If you missed out on this year’s event or this has inspired you to give it a go next year – the entries for the 2025 Dragon’s Back Race open soon. You can get more information and register your interest here: www.dragonsbackrace.com/enter-the-2024-event
