Dragon's Back Race: Hitchin runner wins mega mountain challenge

Hugh Chatfield took on the 380km challenge known as the Montagne Dragon’s Back Race -  which is hailed the world’s toughest multi-stage mountain race - from Monday, September 4 until Saturday, September 9.

The route began with 298 participants from 25 nations at Conwy Castle in North Wales on Monday morning.

Participants sets out to tackle an average of over 60km a day with a total of 17,400m of climbing - almost twice the height of Everest!

Record temperatures during the week contributed to a high rate of drop-outs, with only 87 completing the challenge and earning the title of ‘Dragon Slayer’.

The event took place on the hottest day of the year, and despite this Hugh claimed victory on day six, ending the race at Cardiff Castle.

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The 28-year-old, who works in social enterprise, said: "It’s amazing. Thanks to everyone for the support. 

"I was told at the start that you’ve got to have your ‘why’ when you take on this race, because you’ll go through highs and you’ll go through lows.

"Everyone who makes it here, whatever distance they’ve come, has had to draw on that at some point. At the end of day four, I had a cry on the road section when I saw my parents. If you haven’t cried, I don’t think you’ve run it properly.”

The route took in some breathtaking views of the iconic peaks such as Tryfan, Yr Wyddfa, Cadair Idris and the Brecon Beacons.

Many of those who couldn’t complete the full race continued their journey through Wales with the new ‘Hatchling’ option, completing a shorter course on each remaining day.

The Dragon’s Back Race was first held in 1992 and after a gap of 20 years, was resurrected in 2012.

Hugh crossing the finish line of Dragon's Back Race (Image: ©MontaneDragon’s Back Race® | No Limits Photography)It has since been established as a regular event on the calendar and now takes place every year.

Hugh's winning cumulative time was 47 hours, 38 minutes and 44 seconds.

Poland’s Jakub Wolski finished second in 51:11:04 and first woman Robyn Cassidy was third overall in 54:25:05.

Hugh Chatfield won the mega mountain race in Wales (Image: ©MontaneDragon’s Back Race® | No Limits Photography)

Montane Dragon's Back Race winner Hugh Chatfield, from Hitchin (Image: ©MontaneDragon’s Back Race® | No Limits Photography)

Hugh heading downhill on day five of  Dragon’s Back Race (Image: ©MontaneDragon’s Back Race® | No Limits Photography)