Sunday 20th July

0800 Coaches leave Cardiff Bay for the Dragon 30

0830-0930 Dragon 30 registration at start in the Heritage Centre at Dunraven Bay 

0845 Coaches arrive at start Dunraven Bay

0945 Race brief on start line

1000 Dragon 30 race start 

Sunday 20th 0000 (Midnight) 

All courses and the finish venue closes

These items must be with you at all times during the race.  You cannot hand them to supporters or put items in your drop bag.  If you are found without ALL of these items you will be disqualified.  Please do not ruin your race by failing to carry them.  These are inportant safety items.  We take your safety very seriously as should you.

Dragon 50 Compulsory Kit List

• Rucksack or suitable means to carry kit
• Waterproof jacket (with taped seams)
• Upper body long sleeve base layer or thermal (warm) top 
• Head coverage such as warm hat or buff
• Torch and spare batteries
• Whistle (the one attached to your bag is acceptable)
• Appropriate trail running footwear with adequate grip for slippery off road conditions
• Foil survival blanket or foil bivy bag
• Small first aid kit to include: blister plasters, sterile dressing and bandage or tape
• Mobile phone
• Emergency map (provided)
• Water bottle 500ml minimum and/or cup for drinks at checkpoints.**
• Appropriate food / energy products for your expected time for the event
• A device with the GPS route on it* (This may be a phone app, gps watch, or handheld gps unit). The device must have sufficient battery life to last the event
• A solid plastic cup with handle is required if you would like hot drinks ** (please read note below)• Appropriate food / energy products for your expected time for the event

Your drop bag must contain a warm finishers jacket.

Advisory Kit / Optional Kit  

• Lower body base layer or trousers

• Hydration tablets or similar

• Money

• Sunglasses, Sun hat and Sun cream (hopefully)

Notes

*Many runners will already have a gps watch that displays the route. If you don't own a gps watch, the simplest way to have the gps file available to view is to use a phone app. There are several phone apps available, and we recommend the OutDoors GPS app from ordnance survey. This app gives you a map and gps dot which identifies your location, and you can download the route onto it. It is really useful if you mistakenly miss a sign or come off the route or if you intend on recceing some of the course. 

A short tutorial explaining how to use and download the route onto the outdoor gps app is available HERE

**Please remember the race is cupless - therefore please ensure you bring a reusable plastic cup with you. For the safety of our marshals and runners, hot drinks will only be served into solid non-collapsible plastic cups with a handle. For the avoidance of doubt, if your cup bends, folds or collapses in any way it is not a solid non-collapsible cup.

Dragon 30 Checkpoints

CP1 Llantwit Major 6.5 miles 

CP2 Aberthaw 10.5 miles

CP3 Porthkerry Park (lodge) 17 miles

CP4 Sully 23 miles

Finish Cardiff Bay 30 miles

The route is 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 map and there is a comprehensive route brief providing clear guidance on important navigation landmarks to lookout for.  

You should download the GPS file onto your watch, smartphone or hand held device and keep a firm eye on this throughout.  To download the race GPS file, click on the map and chjoose 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.

There is a short online video presentation explaining the steps required to upload the route onto the outdoorgps smart phone app here. 

The 2024 route brifing is available here

There will be a 2025 briefing available in the week before the event to cover any changes.

Car - If you are coming by car, Cardiff is easy to reach by following the M4 West into Wales.  Leave the M4 at Junction 29 to follow the A48(M).  To reach Cardiff Bay and the finish location you will need the A4232 which will take you into Cardiff Bay, signposted Cardiff Bay and / or Wales Millennium Centre.

Train – Trains to Cardiff Central Station will get you into the heart of Cardiff.  Here you’ll find plenty of accommodation and places to eat.  To get to Cardiff Bay (and the hotels listed below) you can catch a train from Cardiff Central to Cardiff Queen Street and then a train from here to Cardiff Bay.  Trains run around every 10 minutes for this journey.  From here it is a short walk to the hotels and finish location.  You can also catch a bus from the bus station at the front of Cardiff Central, bus numbers 6 or C8 run regularly to the bay.  There is also a taxi rank located at both the front and the back of Cardiff Central.

Plane – If you are flying into Cardiff Airport there are train connections from the airport at Rhoose Point (overlooking the final miles of the route!) where trains take you into Cardiff Central.  Rhoose point is behind the airport, staff will be able to direct you to the quickest route.  At the front of the terminal there is both a taxi rank and a bus collection point where the number 304 will take you into Cardiff Bay. 

Parking in Cardiff

There are several places to park in Cardiff Bay but the best choice for a long stay is Q-Park Cardiff Bay.  This is a large car park that is monitored by 24 hour CCTV and has on site assistance such as jump leads in the event your car won’t start!  It is also reasonably priced at £15 for 24 hours.  You can pay on the day or pre-book a ticket.  Q-Park is located at:

Pierhead St, Cardiff CF10 4PH

Tel: 01132384200

Web: www.q-park.co.uk

Staying in Cardiff

As you would expect for a capital city there are many places to stay – Air B&B, hostels, B&Bs and hotels.  The choice is yours!  However, you may appreciate one that is close to the finish so you can stagger just a short distance before you rest.  The closest hotels to the finish are:

Travelodge Hotel 

Leisure Park Atlantic Wharf Hemingway Road, Cardiff, GB CF10 4JY

Tel: +44 871 984 8484

Web: www.https://www.travelodge.co.uk 

Future Inn Cardiff

Hemingway Road, Cardiff, GB CF10 4AU

Tel: +44 29 2048 7111

Web: www.https://www.futureinns.co.uk/cardiff/

Premier Inn

Bute Place, Cardiff, GB CF10 4AA

Tel: +44 871 527 8000

Web: www.premierinn.com                                   

Holiday Inn Express

Longueil Close, Schooner Way, Cardiff CF10 4EE

Tel: +4429 2044 9000

Web: www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress

Nash Point Lighthouse 

CF61 1ZF 

The postcode is the nearest one to the lighthouse.  Once you reach the destination of the postcode, continue down the road to the car park.  You can’t miss the lighthouse once you are there!  This secluded point is a beautiful one to rest at while you wait for your runner.  

Toilets: No

Llantwit Major Beach 

CF61 1YX 

The beach car park is large, but the lane leading to it and through Llantwit is quite narrow so in good weather this can be busy.  Once you are there the small bay has a café and a short climb up to the cliff tops where excellent views keep you company as you wait for your runner.  There are many options for food and drink in Llantwit town centre. 

Toilets: Yes at the café and in a public toilet in the centre of Llantwit.

Porthkerry Park 

CF62 3BY 

Runners pass along the seafront at Porthkerry for only a short distance, however, this is an excellent location for supporters.  There are toilets, a great café, an excellent playground, car parking and a lot of short forest walks to explore while you wait.  The climb up the 100 steps towards The Knap will give you outstanding views over the North Devon Coast, Barry and the first glimpses of Cardiff. 

Toilets: Yes, next to Marcos Café.

The Knap 

CF62 6TA 

The open seafront of the Knap has ample parking and alongside the ornamental lake a series of cafes and ice cream shops.  There is also a nice walk along the promenade towards Knap Hill and the lifeguard station.  This is the last easily accessible support point until runners have cleared Barry. 

Toilets: Yes, at the car park alongside the cliffs. 

Barry Island 

CF62 5AH0 

Home of Gavin and Stacey and a South Wales icon!  Runners do not go around the island, so it is not part of the supporters route.  But, if you have some spare time there is a large beach, outdoor climbing wall, arcades, chips, cafes, ice cream and a pleasure park.  The postcode takes you to the large car park on the Island. 

Toilets: Yes, a large block near Marcos Café.

The Captain’s Wife 

CF64 5UG 

The Captain’s Wife is located on the edge of the channel with a large outdoor seating area.  It is a nice place to wait, but it can get very busy in good weather and runners will be through this section very quickly.  If you need food and a rest, it is a good place to stop, but it may not be the best place to support or crew your runner.  There is a small public car park here, just past the pub. 

Toilets: Yes, at the Captain’s Wife 

Cliff Parade & Penarth Pier 

CF64 5BP & CF64 3AU 

The final location before runners reach Cardiff.  The beautiful art deco pier is one of Penarth’s highlights.  The seafront here is a great place to meet runners and give them one last word of encouragement before they make the final climb up to Penarth.  There are cafes and coffee shops, ice cream and even a traditional sweet shop at the entrance to the pier.  Parking at the pier is limited, the best place to park is Cliff Parade as there is plenty of parking here. 

Toilets: Yes, at Cliff Parade and the pier.

Cardiff Bay & The finish 

CF10 4PT 

The finish at the iconic Norwegian Church and Scott Memorial is one of the best places to wait.  There is an abundance of places to eat and things to do.  There is ample parking locally both on the road and in the big car parks.  The Norweigan Church is the event base for the finish and is a great place to watch the trackers on the big screen and try some of their coffee and excellent food. 

Toilets: Yes, loads!  The Norwegian Church has some if you’re planning to locate yourself there.

There is a list of FAQs on the event website that you can find here

Cancellations

If competitors withdraw prior to the event, the following costs are incurred: 

5 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 months 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.

Your deferral or refund will be processed within 30 days of initial e-mail. 

1 month before the event, no refunds or Transfers to another race are available.

Ttransfers

You can transfer your place to another participant until two weeks prior to the race day, but you must contact us first and follow the instructions we provide. Any transfers without our consent will not be honoured. 

General Terms

Please do not enter any event unless you agree to take full responsibility for your own health, fitness and well-being whilst out on the route and agree to our terms and conditions. 

For distance races you must be able to navigate the route and have experience / intend to gain experience of night navigation (if required). 

Competitors must read carefully all of the information provided on the Run Walk Crawl website, including kit lists, route details and safety information. 

Competitors should not take part in the event if they are knowingly under prepared, have an undisclosed medical condition or current medical illness (eg: chest infection) or any other condition which may compromise their safety. 

All details provided by competitors must be accurate at time of entry. Any changes to personal or medical details must be notified to the event organisers by email. before the start of the race. 

If you are unable to attend the race please let the organisers know only via e-mail. Please note Facebook messenger or calling via telephone are not an accepted method of cancelling or deferring entry.  

Your deferral or refund will be processed within 30 days of initial e-mail. 

Competitors must follow the rules and regulations of the event as outlined by the organising team. 

If the organisers are forced to cancel the event for any reason, a new date will be established and all entries will be carried forwards. If no alternative date is available, all entries will be carried forwards to the next year. 

Entrants should always act in a manner which ensures minimal impact upon the environment, event route and local inhabitants.   These include but are not limited to: 

Leaving no litter 

Closing gates 

Acting responsibly around livestock 

Being quiet when travelling through villages at night 

Keeping to marked paths 

Any entrant not acting in this manner, either during or before the event, will be disqualified and their entry fee will not be refunded. 

Officials also reserve the right to withdraw a participant from the event if they deem that it is unsafe for them to continue.

Self-sufficiency

All our events are self-sufficient which means participants complete the course carrying compulsory kit, following the route (details below), and being responsible for themselves and there safety.  This is standard practice in these types of ultra-running, trail running, walking and fell running events.  The organisers will provide additional safety cover, aid stations / checkpoints, to help you complete the challenge.

Participants must be aware of and look out for traffic and road crossings, general members of the public, other path or road users, as well as livestock, dogs and bikes. It is your responsibility to keep yourself safe whilst following the route. You must pay reasonable attention to your safety on the paths, mountains, cliff edges and roads. You must give way to other path users and keep to single file when paths are narrow, busy or when instructed to by marshals.  

Marshals will be on the course at checkpoints, and generally around the start areas. In addition there will be a first aid and safety team monitoring the course. There will not be marshals every couple of hundred meters on the course. Some sections of the courses may be exposed and you could not see another person on it! This is one of the great reasons to do this type of event. However, if you are NOT completely confident with this style of event you should not enter! 

Abuse of marshals is unacceptable.  Any participant guilty of this will be immediately withdrwan from the race.

You should be familiar with the serious disabling consequences of hypothermia, dehydration and heat exhaustion and act appropriately during the race.  You should also take appropriate action to avoid getting into the above situations which increases the risk of the above occurring. 

You must take note of the length and severity of the race and local weather forecast for the day and judge their capabilities accordingly.  If the weather forecast is particularly bad then you should add additional kit (for example warmer clothing) based on your ability. Remember the compulsory kit is just the minimum required! You may need more.

Take reasonable care not to create hazards that may cause harm to other people and support anyone in need of assistance, even if it means abandoning their race.  

By entering the event you are agreeing to take responsibility for your actions and that you are competent to participate in such an event.

Checkpoints and Cut-Offs  

You must report to each checkpoint and ensure your race number is recorded by the marshal.

All checkpoints have a strictly enforced cut-off. The cut-offs have been determined by the organizers to allow you to complete the event in the allotted time. They are there to ensure the safety of all participants and marshals. They are necessary so our resources especially first aiders and safety marshals are able to be in the correct positions for competitors. Any participant that has not departed the Check Point by the cut-off time will be retired from the event. 

Retirements & Repatriation

The support team and organizers will be doing everything we can to get every competitor to the finish line. If participants need to retire at any other location (other than a checkpoint) it is critical that they communicate this to the Race Director urgently as per the emergency instruction printed on the map. 

Unless it is a major emergency you should make yourself comfortable using your safety kit and find shelter. If you are safe and not a major medical emergency then you may have to wait some time before a marshal can pick you up. We would strongly advise competitors to carry sufficient money so that they could get a taxi just in case.

Compulsory Kit 

Having the right kit could be essential for yours or other competitor’s safety during the event. We have also made certain undertakings on behalf of the competitors to landowners and authorities about what safety kit competitors will be carrying. There will be kit checks during the event and at the finish line. There will be random kit checks for many competitors. The leading runners can expect a kit check at the end of the race! Competitors found to be missing mandatory items can expect to be disqualified from the event. If you have any questions about the acceptability of your kit please do not hesitate to contact us.

You agree to carry sufficient kit, e.g. body and leg cover which gives protection from the effects of wind chill and, rain and safety equipment, (including food and drink) throughout the race to be able to provide protection from hypothermia, or dehydration and heat in the worst foreseeable weather conditions during the race, noting that rescue could take a long time.  

Factors including weather and terrain mean that these style of races takes place in a hazardous environment. Competitors must have appropriate experience in the conditions that may be encountered so that they can manage their own safety.  

The Race Organisers have a duty of care to competitors in their race, however competitors must accept that race monitoring arrangements, e.g. marshals and checkpoint recording are primarily designed to ensure ‘fair competition’ and must not be considered a ‘safety net’.  A competitor enters a race on the understanding that they are responsible for their own safety.  The competitor must obey all instructions from the organisers and officials but must equip and conduct themselves as though they were unsupported for the duration of the race.  

Once registered you are ‘in’ the race. If you retire from the race you must text or phone the race number printed on the map, and let the next checkpoint know. This is a check to ensure everyone is safe at the end of the event. If you fail to do this you will be held responsible for us contacting mountain rescue and the police as a missing person and be liable for any charges!

Participants must not drop litter and must deposit litter in bins provided at the checkpoints and finish. Anyone caught dropping litter will instantly be disqualified.