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Considered to be one of the toughest mountain races in the world, the full course covers 380km with 16,400m of ascent along the Dragon’s Back of Wales.
With several different course options available, ranging from a 2-day option to the full 6-day event, your kit requirements will vary depending on your specific needs. Regardless of the race you choose, there is some basic kit you'll need to bring. Our Dragon's Back kit list covers the essentials. Our experienced in-store staff can also guide you towards personalised product recommendations.
What if I don’t have all of the mandatory kit?
Having the correct kit is essential for your safety during the event. Each day, there will be random kit checks. If you are found to be missing mandatory items, you will receive a strike.
Do I need to carry all of my kit with me?
No, your overnight kit will be transported for you between the accommodations. You will just need to carry what you’ll need during the race.
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Means of payment
Some of the routes will pass shops and cafes. You don't want to miss out on a mid-day cake stop because you don't have cash or a card on you.
Mobile phone
You'll want your mobile in a waterproof pouch alongside important gear and spare layers.
Map (supplied)
You will receive a paper copy of the map at registration. There will also be the option to download Digital Mapping via the Avenza App. Some basic map-reading skills are recommended, although the routes tend to be fairly straightforward.
GPS tracker (supplied)
This will also be provided at registration. Make sure you keep this on you throughout the event.
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Cold
2 spare synthetic warm top (one must be hooded & minimum weight of 300g)
Warm and waterproof gloves
The organisers will let you know if the 'cold weather kit rule' is in place. If it is, it's essential you have 2 spare warm tops.
* During exceptionally wet/cold weather conditions, a buff is no longer acceptable as a hat, and an actual hat (or waterproof cap) is required.
Hot
Sun hat or cap with a visor for shading the face
An additional 1L carrying capacity of water
Everyone will drink different amounts of fluid. If you are someone who drinks less, you don't need to fill your bottles, but you need to have the additional capacity.
Cold
Heavy weight mountaineering style waterproof (especially if you are likely to be walking)
A waterproof cap
A second waterproof jacket to be layered under your other waterproof
Hot
Suncream (SPF 50)
Loose-fitting and lightweight long-sleeve top
Headband
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Spare shoes
Sponge and cloth for washing and drying dishes
Personal blister treatment kit
Kinesiology tape
Suncream / sunblock
Midge head net and insect repellent
Trench foot cream
This is recommended to protect your feet during long-distance events.
The blister treatment kit must contain the following items: Sterile scalpel blade (size #11) x5, Steropore sterile island dressings (6x7cm) x5, Sterile cotton swabs (5x5cm) x10, Inadine dressings (9.5x9.5cm) x2, Clinell 2% chlorhexidine disinfection wipes x5, Kinesiology tape (5cm x 5m), Small scissors.
Write your name on everything, there's usually lots of lost property at the event.
A power bank (ca. 10,000-20,000mAh) for recharging devices
Travel pillow or pillowcase (to stuff with clothes)
A fresh set of running clothes for each day
Toiletries and a towel
Earplugs
Anti-chaffing cream
Your favourite snacks
Answered by Jodie Gauld, an experienced ultra runner who placed 2nd in the women's category and 8th overall at the Dragon's Back in 2025.
What does the preparation for a race like the Dragon's Back look like?
Preparation was about total immersion. I studied maps constantly, spent as much time as possible on the route, and used gym stair sessions to simulate long climbs. Reccying most of the course was key, both for confidence and for dialling in kit and fuelling. The main focus was hardening my body for consecutive big days, especially improving my climbing, which turned from a weakness into something I genuinely enjoy.
The Dragon’s Back is famous for its challenging terrain. What was the hardest part?
The hip-deep bog on Day 3 was the toughest. I got properly stuck and had to pull myself out using a fence in very low visibility. The constant slippery ground, especially on Day 1, was mentally draining, but once I accepted it and stopped fighting the conditions, it became easier to keep moving.
How do you fuel a race as long and demanding as the Dragon’s Back? Would you change anything next time?
I kept fuelling simple and calorie-dense, testing everything in training to make sure it worked over consecutive days and within the weight limit. Trail mix, flapjacks, bars, and high-calorie drink mixes formed the core plan. By Day 3, I could no longer tolerate nuts, so salty snacks became essential. Next time, I would test a wider range of foods and have stronger backups, and I would be more diligent with oral hygiene to avoid mouth issues late in the race.
What were the biggest mistakes you made this time round?
I would change three things. I would diversify my food to include more savoury options. I would bring a warmer sleeping bag suited to cold mountain nights. I would also start specific lower leg strength work much earlier to avoid tendon issues in prolonged boggy terrain.
Were there any moments when you felt like giving up, and how did you keep going?
No. Quitting never crossed my mind because I was fully committed to the race. Even on the hardest days, especially the extreme weather on Day 1 and the pain on Day 5, I accepted the discomfort and focused on getting to the finish rather than considering stopping.
What kit proved essential, or do you regret not bringing anything?
Trekking poles were essential and used every day for stability, climbing, bogs, and injury management. My main regret was bringing a sleeping bag rated for warmer conditions, which hurt overnight recovery. I also wish I had packed more spare running kit, as clean clothes would have been worth the small weight increase.
How much impact did the atmosphere and community have on your race?
It had a huge impact. Even brief encouragement from other runners during the day gave a real lift, and camp life created a strong sense of shared experience. Those moments with people who understood exactly what the day involved became some of the most memorable parts of the race.
Do you have plans to run it again, and what would you change from 2025?
I have no firm plans to return. I am extremely satisfied with the experience and the result, finishing 2nd female and 8th overall. I learned lessons around kit, fuelling, and training, but right now I feel proud and content with what I achieved, so it is a never-say-never situation.
Is there anything harder than the Dragon’s Back, and are you keen to try it?
Harder is subjective. I am interested in pushing my own limits, and I am inspired by extreme endurance athletes, but I do not have a specific next challenge planned. I want more unsupported adventures, time running with friends, and future races, as long as they are enjoyable. I am not drawn to challenges involving extreme cold or heavy loads, as joy in movement is still the priority for me.
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