The Dragon Coastal Races are two epic ultra-trail footraces along the Wales coast 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 coast 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 trails in 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 Nature Reserve with a 4.5 mile fully marked loop of trail and beach running around the rugged reserve 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 3400 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. But don't underestimate the Dragon! Both distances are extremely challenging and completing either is a tremendous achievement in itself. 

Both 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!

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 insitu 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 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 12 manned checkpoints for the Dragon 100 race and 7 checkpoints for the Dragon 50 race which will provide a mixture of sweet and savoury snacks and hot and cold drinks. Details of what's provided at checkpoints can be found by clicking here.  Provisional checkpoint locations and distances for the 2023 races are listed below. Cut off times can be found in Q17 on the Dragon FAQ page. 

CP1 Port Eynon 6.5 miles

CP2 Southgate 16.5 miles

CP3 Mumbles 22.5 miles - D100 mile drop bags

CP4 Baglan 36 miles

CP5 Bryn 45 miles 

CP6 / CP1 Kenfig 56.5 miles / 4.5 miles - D100 drop bags 

CP7 / CP2 Newton 62miles / 11.5 miles

CP8 / CP3 Southerndown 70.5 miles / 19.5 miles

CP9 / CP4 Llantwit Major 77 miles / 27 miles - D100 and D50 drop bags.

CP10 / CP5 Aberthaw 81 miles / 31 miles

CP11 / CP6 The Knap 87.5 miles / 37.5 miles

CP12 / CP7 Sully 93.5 miles / 43.5 miles

Finish Cardiff Bay 100.5 miles/ 50.5 miles

*Note distances are approximate and rounded.

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 1100 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.  

The Dragon 100 mile course starts at 1400 on Saturday and you have 34 hours (approximately 3mph) to complete the course. The Dragon 50 starts at 0730 on Sunday morning and you have 16.5 hours (approximately 3mph) to complete the course. Cut off times exist at each checkpoint whereby you must have left the checkpoint by. These can be found in the FAQs. All courses close at midnight on Sunday.

For the Dragon 100 you must have completed a minimum of a 50 mile ultra race within the last 2 years on similar off road terrain in under 15 hours. For the Dragon 50 you must be physically fit enough to complete the course and have completed a marathon (trail or road) or greater distance race within the last two years. You will need to provide a link to the results of the qualifying race when you register. 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

1000-1045 Registration at the Norwegian Church, Cardiff Bay

1100- Coaches leave Cardiff Bay for Dragon 100 

1245-1300- Registration at Rhossili for those NOT travelling by coach and have 'pre-booked'

1315- Coaches drop off in Rhossili

1330- Race Brief at Rhossili

1400- 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 the finish 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

Live GPS tracking from open tracking

Checkpoints with refreshments (12 for the Dragon 100 and 7 for the Dragon 50)

GPS file, map & route guidance brief

Race medal

Race t-shirt

Post event meal in the Norwegian Cafe

Race safety team and event first aid cover

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

Amazing marshals

High quality and free to use race photos and 'Geordie Banta' from Tosh 

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