Dragon Coastal Ultramarathon - FAQs
1)- How much ascent is there in the route ?
The Dragon 100 route has approximately 3056 meters of ascent.
The Dragon 50 has approximately 1073 meters of ascent
The Dragon 50km has approximately 831 metres ascent.
2)-I am in a team, do all team members need to carry all the compulsory kit?
YES all runner must carry the whole kit. This includes... all of it!
3)-Will there be a kit check?
Yes. You will be required to show a number of random items at an undisclosed location on the course.
All podium finishers will also be kit checked at the end.
4)-How hard is the navigation?
Dragon 50 and 50km
The routes are signposted with a mixture of Wales coast path signs, and Run Walk Crawl arrows where you leave the coast path. The Wales coast path arrows are excellent and it is possible to follow the path just using these. In addition to the route markings you will receive a marked map and online route brief providing clear guidance on important navigation landmarks to lookout for, and detailing when you should be following the Wales coast path signs and when you are following our additional running arrows. It is compulsory to download the gps file onto a device such as a watch, smartphone or gps handheld device and to keep a firm eye on this throughout. Please view our short online video presentation explaining the steps required to upload the route onto the outdoor gps smart phone app here. If you are using your mobile phone to follow the gps trace, you should ensure you carry an additional battery / power bank and cable to charge your phone on the move.
Dragon 100mile
Runners on the Dragon 100 are expected to be able to follow the route using the GPS trace, Wales coast path signs and our markers through the Afan forest. The Afan forest section is marked with illuminous tape and yellow running arrows at major junctions between Baglan (just after crossing the river Neath via the A48 bridge) and Margam park. You can expect additional arrows around the course to help (e.g. in and out of checkpoints), but ultimately it is the runners responsibility to follow the published gps route.
It is compulsory to download the gps file onto a device such as a watch, smartphone or gps handheld device and to keep a firm eye on this throughout. Please view our short online video presentation explaining the steps required to upload the route onto the outdoor gps smart phone app here . If you are using your mobile phone to follow the gps trace, you should ensure you carry an additional battery / power bank and cable to charge your phone on the move.
5)- When will entries close?
Please see SiEntries to see event entry closing date. Alternatively if the event sells out entries will close earlier.
6)- What are the entry limits?
200 spaces for the Dragon 100
200 spaces for the Dragon 50
200 spaces for the Dragon 50km
7)- Is there a reserve list?
No - There is no reserve list for the event. Once the entry limits have been reached there are no extra spaces available.
8)- Can I enter & pay on the day?
No, you must register using the online registration system at sientries system.
9)-I can’t do the event, can I have a refund or transfer to a different race?
As per our terms and conditions 'If competitors withdraw prior to the event, the following costs are incurred'
5 - 2 months before the event, 75% of entry fee will be refunded OR you can transfer the remaining cost (75% of entry fee) off a different event.
2 - 1 month before the event, 50% of entry fee will be refunded OR you can transfer the remaining cost (50% of entry fee) to a different race.
Less than 1 month before the event, no Refunds or Transfers to another race are available .
You can transfer your place to another participant until two weeks prior to the race day.
10)- I can’t race can I transfer my entry to a friend?
As per our terms and conditions. You can transfer your place up until 2 weeks before the event. After this date there is strictly no transfers available.
11)-Will I receive a medal for completing the event?
All competitors who complete the full Dragon 50 or Dragon 50km course they entered within the time limit will receive a finishers medal. Dragon 100 runners will receive a unique and prestigious Dragon 100 belt buckle.
For the avoidance of doubt- you will not receive a 50 mile medal if you started the 100 mile race and completed half of it or a 50km if you run 50km of the 50 mile or 100 mile route! You will only receive a medal for completing the race you started.
12)- Can I walk the challenge?
The race is open to runners and fast walkers that can maintain the pace to reach the cut off times and complete the course in the time limit.
The Dragon 100 course starts at 1000 on Saturday and you have 38 hours to complete the course - that’s approximately 2.7mph! However, please remember that you would also need to factor in any checkpoint stops or bad patches so realistically you should aim to maintain 2.8-3mph to complete in the time. Additionally we recommend getting as far ahead of the cut off times as possible, and it is important to note that the cut offs should not be used as a pacing guide .
The Dragon 50 starts at 0730 on Sunday morning and you have 16.5 hours to complete the course by midnight- that's approximately 3mph!
The Dragon 50km has a 14 hour (2.2mph) time limit so we would not expect anyone who has entered to miss the cut off times and be timed out.
13)- Are there cut off times and what happens if I miss the cut off times?
As with all reputable ultramarathons around the world that follow ultra running event best practice there are cut off times at checkpoints. Please remember the cut off times are not there as pacing guidance and you should not aim to arrive (or leave) each checkpoint exactly on the cut-off as this strategy does not work due to the inevitable and natural slowing down that occurs in demanding ultramarathons. We highly recommend aiming to get ahead of the cut-offs - but ultimately it is your responsibility to set your own speed (based on training) in order to pass through each checkpoint before it closes.
If you miss the cut off time, then you will be retired from the event.
In addition if you are behind the pace required to get to the next checkpoint by the cut off, the safety team may collect you before the checkpoint.
Cut off times and checkpoint distances can be found at FAQ 17 below.
14)- What is the terrain like and what type of trainers should I wear?
It is a mixture of hard trail, sand, muddy trail, tarmac, grass and mud. A comfortable trail trainer suitable for the distance would be best.
We would recommend a comfortable trail trainer with good tread. The tread does not need to be super aggressive like a fell/mud running shoe and we would advise going for a hybrid/hard trail running shoe. Examples are the Hoka challenger atr or Speedgoat, the inov 8 Trailtalon or trailfly ultra (300g) range, the La sportive Ultra Raptor or Akasha, The Saucony Peregrine or xodus ultra, or the Scott Kinabalu or Supertrac Ultra. Obviously, shoe choice is highly individual and depends on weather conditions.
For the 100mile and 50 mile events we highly recommend a change of shoes and/or socks at strategic locations around the course, as there are sections of the course that you will be running over sand. Having a robust shoe and sock change strategy can significantly increase your chances of finishing. For the Dragon 100 runners we would recommend changing socks at Southgate or socks and shoes at the mumbles where you have access to your drop bag. For the Dragon 100 and 50 mile runners, it may be an idea to change socks once you exit Merthyr Mawr sand dunes where you cross the Ogmore stepping stones - you could wash the sand off your feet in the river and change your socks! The Dragon 100 and 50 mile runners will also have options when they access the drop bag at Llantwit.
15)-Is there a drop bag facility?
There is drop bag avaliable at the Pyle checkpoint for Dragon 100 runners.
Drop bags will be given to you at registration, and will be collected before the race starts. In the interest of fairness to other competitors and to the marshals which must transport/carry the bags you can only use the custom bags provided (a picture of the drop bags can be seen on the checkpoint blog).
All races are able to leave a small finish line bag at the event base at Cardiff bay.
16)- When will final event details be sent out?
Most of the relevant information can be found on the event webpage, checkpoint blog or here in the FAQs.
All final event details will be sent out to the e-mail address you registered with 1 week before the event date.
The GPS file and any further information will then be sent out the Monday before the race.
You will then receive a final email with the open tracking gps tracker link, and any last minute reminders a couple of days before the event.
If you have not received the emails then first please check your junk e-mail folders, and check your e-mail address you registered with is correct. If you still haven't received them then please e-mail or contact us and we will send them out to you.
17)- Where are the Checkpoints and what are the cut offs?
There are 11 manned checkpoints for the Dragon 100 race, 7 for the Dragon 50 race and 4 for the Dragon 30. Checkpoints will provide a mixture of sweet and savoury food/snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Details of what is provided at checkpoints, cut off times and supporter infomation can be found on our Dragon Checkpoint Guide Blog at the link below.
18)- What time and location is registration, race briefs and race starts?
Please consult the main event page for details on registration and timings.
19)- The GPS file does not open?
To access a gps file you will first need to save the relevant file to your computer. To do this right click on the download and choose 'save as' and save it to your computer. In order to view / use the file it will have to be imported onto a device that allows you to view & use it. Please Note-If you open the file on your computer it will appear blank / full of gibberish! It can only be viewed by importing it onto a gps device (eg Garmin Fenix, Suunto Ambit etc) or by viewing it using a computer program that will access the information.
20)- Will I receive a map and copy of route description?
Yes, you will receive a map at registration with the route and checkpoints marked on it. This will be 1;50,000 scale so if you would like a more detailed/larger version you should bring one with you.
21)- Will I be tracked?
There will be gps trackers for from open tracking for all runners. The link will be sent out the week before the event once it is live on the open tracking website.
22)- Where are the best places for my friends and family to support?
One of the best parts of the route is the great facilities for spectators along the entire route. A supporter guide is available on the links at the bottom of the main event page. There are a few points where supporters are not aloud so please ensure you consult the guide.
24)- Can you use local shops around the course to buy supplies/refreshments?
Yes this is acceptable, although please do not rely on them being open and ensure you carry enough food for between checkpoints.
25)- Are there any bonus miles?
Dragon 100- All good 100 miles races have a few extra miles- you can add more by not paying attention to the route brief! The Dragon 50 & 50km are bang on!
26)- Can I have a support runner or support crew?
Support Crews (teams) are acceptable - these are people who can meet you on the route with extra provisions / kit - YOU MUST CARRY THE COMPULSORY KIT AT ALL TIMES.
A support runner or pacer is someone who runs the course alongside you.
Support runners (pacers) are ONLY allowed on the 100mile event at the following times:
- From Mumbles checkpoint to Southerndown checkpoint on Dragon 100.
- From Porthkerry Park checkpoint to the Finish on Sunday evening strictly from 1900.
Any runner running with a support runner outside the above times will automatically be disqualified.
The support runner can help with verbal encouragement and navigation, but is strictly not allowed to carry any food, water or equipment for racer - THE RUNNER MUST CARRY THE COMPULSORY KIT AT ALL TIMES.
27)- Can I run with my dog?
Unfortunately due to land owner, insurance, and and safety logistics we do not allow running with your dog.