Five days, 200 miles, 8½ miles of ascent – the gruelling Dragon's Back Race crosses the length of Wales, from Conwy Castle in the north to Carreg Cennen Castle in the south. One of the world's most challenging races, it fills even the hardest runners with awe
The first Dragon's Back race was run in 1992 and after a 20-year hiatus competitors this week steeled themselves for the gruelling five-day, 200-mile run over the Welsh mountainsPhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeCompetitors set off at dawn on 3 September 2012 from Conwy Castle for a 35-mile first day run. They then continued along the mountainous spine of the country south to Carreg Cennen CastlePhotograph: Rob HowardThe route takes in some spectacular scenery and some challenging conditions – low cloud, tough terrain and cold peaks – with runners typically ascending and descending for between 8-16 hours a day depending on their speedPhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeThe route takes in Wales's most famous mountain ranges, including Snowdon, the Moelwyns and Rhinogs ranges, Cadair Idris, the Elan Valley and the Black MountainsPhotograph: Jon Brooke/Rightplacerightime.co.ukScrambling above the clouds. The terrain presents an additional challenge, even for experienced trail runners, and competitors have to be able to navigate their way along the route too Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeHelene Whitaker, who beat some of the world's best and toughest male runners in 1992 to win the original Dragon's Back racePhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeHelene Whitaker contemplates another climb - 20 years after her first win she held fourth place at the end of day three Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeWhen competitors make it back to camp in the evening medics are on hand to treat blisters, dehydration and exhaustion, while a volunteer offers massages for aching musclesPhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeRace leader Steve Birkinshaw on Glyder FachPhotograph: Rob HowardOne competitor's face shows the agony – while the photographer shows us the difficulty of the terrainPhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeThe Indian summer means racers are feeling the heat during the day and cold temperatures at night, when they sleep in tents set up by the support team. Mountain streams provide water for washing and drinkingPhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeNot all competitors will complete course. Race Director Shane Ohly told Rob Howard who is blogging the race, “I am, of course, disappointed for the runners who didn’t make it ... We’ve said it is one of the hardest runs in the world too, but I get the feeling lots of events say they are the toughest/hardest etc. so competitors don’t really believe you when you say it ... but we meant it!”Photograph: Berghaus/Alsatair LeeA runner is dwarfed by the fearsome and spectacular rocky ridge of Crib Goch that leads towards the summit of SnowdonPhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair LeeOne competitor here makes his way towards the summit of Snowdon. The winners will be presented with a trophy this Friday when everyone will sit down to a well-earned dinner at Carreg Cennen CastlePhotograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee
