Dragon Coastal Races
July 2027
The Dragon Coastal Ultramarathons are three legendary races that bring the Wales Coast Path to life in the most epic way possible. Choose your fire:
100 miles from the wild beauty of Rhossili Bay to Cardiff Bay
50 miles from the dunes of Kenfig Nature Reserve
30 miles from the dramatic cliffs of Dunraven Bay
All roads lead to one unforgettable finish — a final push across the Cardiff Bay Barrage, ending at the Captain Scott Memorial and the iconic Norwegian Church.
These routes are made for running: clear, non-technical trails that let you focus on the journey, the views and your best performance. Whether it’s your first ultra or you’re chasing a new personal best, this is the perfect stage. But make no mistake — the Dragon doesn’t give up its treasures easily. You’ll face golden beaches, steep sand dunes, shifting shingle and for the 100-milers, leg-burning climbs in the dark of night. Fast, beautiful and rewarding in equal measure — this is coastal running at its finest. Do you have what it takes to become a Dragon Slayer?
Route Overview
The 100-mile Dragon begins in spectacular fashion at the iconic Worm’s Head overlooking Rhossili Bay. From here, runners charge along the rugged southern Gower coastline, passing sweeping bays and ancient castle ruins. As night falls, the lights of the Mumbles and Swansea guide the way onto faster, more sheltered terrain around Swansea Bay.
In the early hours, the Dragon reveals its darker side — the route leaves the Wales Coast Path and plunges into the hilly depths of Afan Forest. Here, luminous arrows cut through the night to guide runners along shadowy singletrack and majestic forest trails. With the sunrise comes new energy as the course rolls through Margam Park, past its grand mansion house and roaming deer, before leading on to the golden sands of Kenfig, where the Dragon 50 begins.
The Dragon 50 kicks off Sunday morning at Kenfig Sands Nature Reserve before joining the main course eastward along the Wales Coast Path. Both 100 and 50 mile runners soon stride into the seaside town of Porthcawl, with its bays buzzing with surfers, before meeting one of the race’s legendary tests: Merthyr Mawr. This sprawling 840-acre dune system — home to the UK’s highest sand dune — is a beast in itself. Conquer the sand, cross the stepping stones at Ogmore Castle and the reward is the jaw-dropping Vale of Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
At Dunraven Bay, the Dragon 30 joins the adventure! From here, all three races charge towards Cardiff, ticking off landmarks one by one: Nash Point Lighthouse, the historic Atlantic College, the rocky expanse of Llantwit Beach, the rolling green of Porthkerry Park, and the seaside town of Barry.
As the coastline swings north at Sully Island, the finish is within reach. A pass of Penarth Pier leads to the final sting in the Dragon’s tail — the steep climb up the Kymin Steps. Cresting the hill, the finish line finally comes into view: the Cardiff Bay Barrage and the Norwegian Church. One last stretch across the barrage brings you to the Scott Memorial and the end of your adventure.
Route Statistics
The Dragon 100 route has approximately 3400 meters of ascent.
The Dragon 50 has approximately 1300 meters of ascent
The Dragon 30 has approximately 460 metres ascent.
Please note ascent is approximate as there may be route adjustments due to coast path / forestry works. Any adjustments will be notified to participants before the event.
The routes are brilliant for spectators and supporters with the numerous sandy beaches, beauty spots, coffee and ice cream parlours and that iconic finish at Cardiff Bay - so bring the family!
The Event Base and Race Finish
All races finish at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff bay;
Norwegian Church,
Harbour Drive,
Cardiff Bay
CF10 4PT.
www.norwegianchurchcardiff.com
Registration and Start Locations
The Dragon 100
The Dragon 100 start is at the Worms Head, Rhossili, Gower, SA3 1PR on Saturday at 1000. The race brief is on the start line 15 minutes before the start.
At registration you will collect your race number, drop bag and have your GPS tracker fitted to your race pack. For the Dragon 100 there are two registration options available;
Option 1 Cardiff - For runners who have booked to catch the coach registration is on Saturday between 0615-0700 in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
Option 2 Gower - This is only available for those NOT ON THE COACH and who are going direct to the start. This registration option is at Port Eynon Village Hall on Saturday between 0815 - 0945. Please note this is a short 10 minute drive away from the start location at Rhossili. This option is bookable the week before the event.
The Dragon 50
The Dragon 50 race starts at Kenfig Sands at 0700 at Kenfig Nature Reserve building, CF33 4PT.
At registration you will collect your race number, drop bag and have your GPS tracker fitted to your race pack. For the Dragon 50 miles there are two registration options available;
Registration - The Dragon 50 mile (and 50km) registration is on Saturday between 1600-1800 in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
Emergency Registration in Cardiff - There is an emergency registration on Sunday morning between 0500-0530 in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay. COACH COLLECTION WOULD IS AT 0545.
Start line Registration in Kenfig - If you are being dropped to the race start and are ARE NOT using the coach you can register at the race start (Kenfig Sands) on Sunday between 0600-6015. This can be booked the week before the event.
The Dragon 30
The Dragon 30 start is at the Heritage Centre at Dunraven Bay CF32 0RP / OR Ogmore by Sea Village Hall on Sunday at 1000.
At registration you will collect your race number, drop bag and have your GPS tracker fitted to your race pack.
Registration - The Dragon 50 km (and 50mile) registration is on Saturday between 1600-1800 in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
Emergency Registration in Cardiff - There is an emergency registration on Sunday morning between 0730-0830 in the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
Start line Registration in Ogmore / Dunraven - If you are being dropped to the race start and are ARE NOT using the coach you can register at the race start (Ogmore) on Sunday between 0900-0915. This can be booked the week before the event.
Time Limit
The Dragon 100 mile course starts at 1000 on Saturday and you have 38 hours (approximately 2.7mph) to complete the course.
The Dragon 50 mile starts at 0700 on Sunday morning and you have 17 hours (approximately 2.9mph) to complete the course.
The Dragon 30 mile starts at 1000 on Sunday morning and you have 14 hours (approximately 2.2mph) to complete the course.
Cut off times exist at each checkpoint. These are non-negotiable and if you are to continue you must have left the checkpoint by these times. These are safety cut off points and you should not aim to pace your race by the cut offs. These can be found in the FAQs.
All courses close at midnight on Sunday.
Map and Gps
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.
Navigation
The route is marked with Wales Coast Path signs, and additional running arrows and tape where you leave the coast path. We want the route finding to be easy so you can concentrate on enjoying yourself and completing the race. In addition to the route markings you will receive gps file so if you lose or come off the route you can easily find your way back to it. Any section where you leave the Wales Coast Path will have additional markings and reflective tape.
Checkpoints
There are 11 checkpoints for the Dragon 100, 7 checkpoints for the Dragon 50 race and 4 checkpoints for the Dragon 30 which will provide a mixture of sweet and savoury snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Details of checkpoint locations, provisions and cut-off times can be found on our blog by clicking here.
In addition runners on the Dragon 100 have access to
1 drop bag at Pyle.
[3 drop bags (at Mumbles, Pyle and Llantwit) and Dragon 50 runners have access to 1 drop bag (at Llantwit)].
Cut off times can be found in Q17 on the Dragon FAQ page.
CP1 Port Eynon 7 miles
CP2 Southgate 16.5 miles
CP3 Mumbles 22.5 miles
CP4 Baglan 36 miles
CP5 Bryn 45 miles
CP6 Pyle 54.5 miles - (D100 Access to drop bag)
CP1 Dragon 50 is Kenfig 4.5 miles
CP7 / CP2 Newton 62miles / 11.5 miles
CP8 / CP3 Southerndown (Dunraven Bay Heritage Centre) 70.5 miles / 19.5 miles
CP9 / CP4 / CP1 Llantwit Major 77 miles / 27 miles / 6.5 miles
CP9.5 / CP5 / CP2 Aberthaw 81 miles / 31 miles / 10.5 miles (open from 1000 Sunday)
CP10 / CP6 / CP3 Porthkerry Park (lodge) 87.5 miles / 37.5 miles / 17 miles
CP11 / CP7 / CP4 Sully 93.5 miles / 43.5 miles / 23 miles
Finish Cardiff Bay 100.5 miles/ 50.5 miles / 30 miles
*Note distances are approximate and rounded.
Transport
As the route is linear you will need to either get dropped off at the start 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 following times.
-Saturday at 0715 for the Dragon 100 race.
-Sunday at 0545 for the Dragon 50 race.
-Sunday at 0845 for the Dragon 30 race.
If you want to catch the bus you will need to select this option when you sign up.
Entry requirements
For the Dragon 100 we recommend you have completed 40-50 mile ultra race as part of your training, but ultimately it is up to you to determine if you are capable of entering each event distance. You should be physically fit and healthy enough to complete your chosen course and have undertaken the appropriate training.
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried and it can be viewed here. This list is non-negotiable and no allowances will be made for the weather. Come with all of the kit regardless of the conditions.
Provisional Timetable -(including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times)
Saturday
0615-0700 D100 Registration in at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay
0715 Coach leaves Cardiff Bay for Dragon 100
0815-0845 D100 Registration in Port Eynon Village Hall for those going straight to the start.
0900 Coaches drop off in Rhossili
0915-0930 Drop bag collection at the bus drop in Rhossili (look out for our flag).
0945 Race Brief at Rhossili on the start line at the worms head
1000 Dragon 100 race start
Sunday
0500 Race HQ opens at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay
0500-0530 Dragon 50 registration at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay
0545 Coaches leave Cardiff Bay for the Dragon 50
0600-0615 Dragon 50 registration at start for those not on coach who have pre-booked
0625 Coaches arrive at the start in Kenfig
0650 Race brief on start line
0700 Dragon 50 race start
0730-0830 Dragon 30 registration at Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay.
0845 Coaches leave Cardiff Bay for the Dragon 30
0915-0930 Dragon 30 registration at start for those not on the coach who have pre-booked
0920 Coaches arrive at start Dunraven Bay
0950 Race brief on start line
1000 Dragon 30 race start
0000 (Midnight) all courses and the finish venue closes
Prices
The cost for the Dragon 100 is £170
The cost for the Dragon 50mile is £95
The cost for the Dragon 50km is £55
Transport for the Dragon 100 race is £20
Transport for the Dragon 50mile race is £12.5
Transport for the Dragon 50km race is £10
Race T-shirt £20
Race Hoodie £40
What your entry fee includes
Race medal for the Dragon 50 and Dragon 30 finishers
Exclusive race buckle for official finishers of the Dragon 100
Live GPS tracking from open tracking (for all races)
Race safety team and event first aid cover
Drop bag for the 100 mile
Checkpoints with refreshments (11 for the Dragon 100, 7 for the Dragon 50, 4 for the Dragon 50km)
High quality and free to use race photos and 'Geordie Banta' from Tosh and Helen
GPS file, map
In depth video briefing of the route
Amazing marshals
Entries Open soon at the link below.