The Dragon Coastal Races are two epic ultra-trail footraces along the Wales Coastal Path.  There is a choice of TWO distances - 100 miles from Rhossili Bay to Cardiff Bay OR 50 miles from Kenfig Reserve to Cardiff Bay.  The routes are ideal for a first attempt at either distance or for a seasoned runner looking to post a quick time over some fast runnable trails.  

80% of the 100mile route follows the Wales Coastal Path and passes through some stunning scenery including the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The remaining 20% of the 100 mile route leaves the Coast path and takes you inland through a 'magical' network of Forests through the Afan Forest.

The 100mile route starts at the iconic worms head above Rhossili Bay.  Runners head along the Wales Coast Path along the dramatic southern Gower coastline.  As darkness approaches runners will arrive at the Mumbles, Swansea and a faster less exposed section through the night takes you around Swansea Bay.  In the early hours of the morning you will leave the Wales Coast path heading inland into the depths of the Afan forest.  This section is extra well marked with illuminous running arrows as you go through the majestic forest.  At approximately 50miles you regain the coast path as you join the Dragon 50 mile route.  

The Dragon 50 route starts at Kenfig Sands Reserve with a 4 mile fully marked loop of trail and beach running before joining onto the Wales Coast Path and following it back to Cardiff.

Both adventures appropriately finish at the Captain Scott Memorial and iconic Norwegian Church at the lively Cardiff Bay after a run over the Cardiff Bay Barrage. 

The Dragon 100 route has approximately 3000 meters of ascent, and the Dragon 50 has approximately 1300 meters of ascent, so are perfect for a first attempt at  either distance or a fast time. 

Both routes are brilliant for spectators and supporters with the numerous sandy beaches and beauty spots, and plenty of coffee and ice cream parlours - so bring the family!

An interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.

To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts. 

The route is marked with a mixture of Wales Coastal Path Signs, and additional running arrows and tape around difficult sections or when you leave the Coastal Path.  We want the route finding to be easy so you can concentrate on looking after yourself and completing the race.  In addition to the route markings you will receive a marked map and route description and gps file so if you lose or come off the route you can easily find your way back to it.  The section where you leave the WCP will have lots of extra markings and illuminous flags. 

There are 11 manned checkpoints for the 100 mile race and 5 checkpoints for the Dragon 50 race which will provide a mixture of sweet and savoury snacks and hot and cold drinks.  Checkpoint locations and distances for the 2022 races are listed below.  The distances for the Dragon 50 ultra checkpoints are in brackets.

CP1 Port Eynon 7 miles

CP2 Southgate 14 miles

CP3 Mumbles 21 miles - 100 mile Drop Bags

CP4 Baglan 31 miles 

CP5 Bryn 44 miles 

CP6 Kenfig 53 miles - 100 mile Drop Bags (CP1 for the Dragon 50 miles)

CP7 Porthcawl 61miles (11 miles)

CP8 Ogmore-by-Sea 68 miles (17 miles)

CP9 Llantwit Major 78 miles (27 miles)-Drop Bags for both race distances

CP10 The Knapp 88 miles (37 miles)

CP11 Sully 95 miles (44 miles)

*Note Distances are approximate and rounded.

As the route is linear you will need to either get dropped off and picked up or park your car at the finish in Cardiff  Bay and catch one of the buses provided to the start of the event.  The buses leave Cardiff Bay at the 1300 on Saturday for the Dragon 100 race and at 0600 on Sunday for the Dragon 50 race.  If you want to catch the bus you will need to select this option when you sign up.  You will be able to leave a drop bag at the start that will be transported to the finish for you.  

The Dragon 100 mile course starts at 1600 on Saturday evening and you have 32 hours to complete the course. The Dragon 50 starts at 0730 on Sunday morning and you have 16.5 hours to complete the course. 

For the Dragon 100 you must have completed a 40 mile ultra race within the last 2 years. For the Dragon 50 you must be physically fit enough to complete the course and have completed a marathon or greater distance race within the last two years. If you have not yet completed the relevant qualifying distance for your chosen race you can enter the Dragon now and complete a qualifying distance race before race day.

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed here.

Saturday

1300- Coaches leave Cardiff Bay for Dragon 100 

1500- Coaches drop off in Rhossili

1430-1530- Dragon 100 Registration in Rhossili

1530- Race Brief

1600- Dragon 100 Race Start

Sunday

0600- Coaches leave Cardiff Bay for the Dragon 50 

0630-0715- Dragon 50 Registration at start 

0645- Coaches arrive at start Kenfig

0715- Race Brief

0730- Dragon 50 Race start 

0000- (Midnight) All courses and venue closes

The cost for the Dragon 100 is £140 

The cost for the Dragon 50 is £80 

Transport for the Dragon 100 race is £15

Transport for the Dragon 50 race is £10

GPS Tracking 

Checkpoints with refreshments (11 for the Dragon 100 and 6 for the Dragon 50).

Waymarked Course, GPS File & Route Notes

Race Medal

Race T-shirt

Post event meal in the Norwegian Cafe

Race safety team cover and CAVRA first aid cover

Three drop bags for the 100 miler and one for the 50 miler 

Amazing Marshals

Entries for the July 2022 are open.

All entry is on the SiEntries system at the following link.