UKC

Well? It's that time of year again. Are you ready for a week of dot-watching? The Dragon's Back starts tomorrow morning in Conwy.    https://live.opentracking.com/dragonsbackrace2024/

Lead pack running down into the valley, S R looking strong! - Ogwen Webcam gives a brief insight into their morning!

Really wet underfoot (and overhead😂), but not that windy. Going well.

Leading pack now in at Nant Gwynant. 

Hopefully anyone wanting to do Crib Goch today did it early, looks quite busy up there atm!

The sun is out on Rhinog Fawr and a reasonable day is forecast.

It looked like there was a big bunch of ‘the hatchlings’ setting off up Crib Goch after dark last night? Anyone know why they did this? Doesn’t seem very sensible, for what (to my knowledge) is supposed to be the introduction route for those less experienced.

Do the runners have to follow the route marked? Looks like No. 10 has gone 'off piste' at Llyn Trawsfynydd!

IIRC Jim Mann was given time penalties in 2017 for straying off the mandatory route (he wasn't using GPS). If you're dot watching I don't think the Trackers are always 100% accurate?

These look to be sometimes quite significant variations to the marked route, it'll be interesting to see if there are any time penalties.

I see what you mean about #10. I think there are sections of the route that are mandatory to avoid sensitive areas. Not sure if that section is though... having said that, that's the way I would go as far as the top of Cwm Moch. From then on I'd stick to the ridge. Off-piste in the Rhinogydd isn't much fun! 😮

Photo from Moel Ysgyfarnogod.

Crazy marshalling at Control Point 4 today, 🤣

LOL!! Keep it going and you might get to rival the legendary folk of SARDA Wales at Tafarn 24 on the Marathon Eryri!

The Americans are going well and Simon keeping the home hopes alive. Tough day tomorrow though.

I do like the daily updates with the lovely Welsh lady (on Youtube) - it' s nice to hear the Welsh place names spoken by a Welsh speaker.

Yes, a really tough day over exposed ground, hopefully most will get in before the next band of heavy rain arrives.

Well, the Americans have done good. First and third, with King finishing 1hr 40min ahead of Simon Roberts. Jo Meek ran a solid race from the start to take the female race. Great effort.

And very generous donations to the Welsh MRTs along the way, much appreciated!

Indeed, most welcome.