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Dragon Coastal 100 Mile Ultramarathon
The Dragon 100 is a legendary point-to-point 100 mile ultra marathon of South Wales that lives up to its mythical name. It doesn't just skim the surface of the Welsh coastline; it immerses you in it.
Starting at the very edge of the Gower Peninsula and finishing in the heart of the capital city, this race connects two iconic landmarks: the Worm’s Head in the west and the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay to the east. Between them lies 100 miles of beaches, castles, clifftops, and forestry.
This is a race of distinct phases. You have the wild beauty of the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) by day, the gritty industrial heritage of Port Talbot and the Afan Forest by night, and the stunning Glamorgan Heritage Coast for the final push. It’s widely regarded as one of the best ways to see the diversity of South Wales on foot, if your legs are up to the challenge.
Course
The adventure begins at 12:00 on Saturday at Rhossili. The backdrop is the Worm’s Head, a serpentine headland that juts into the Atlantic. You’ll head east along the rugged South Gower coast, ticking off famous bays like Port Eynon and Three Cliffs. The running here is spectacular: sandy trails, limestone cliffs, and ocean views.
As darkness falls, you leave the coast briefly. The route plunges inland into the hills and valleys of the Afan Forest. This is the "sting" in the middle, expect steep climbs, forestry tracks, and solitude. Luminous markers will guide you through the trees before you drop back down through Margam Park (watch out for the deer eyes reflecting in your headtorch) to the coast at Kenfig.
By Sunday morning, you’ll likely be battling fatigue as you tackle the second half. You’ll cross the massive dunes at Merthyr Mawr (the highest in the UK) and negotiate the stepping stones at Ogmore Castle. From here, you join the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, a Jurassic-style stretch of stratified cliffs and rocky beaches.
The final stretch is a psychological battle through Barry and Penarth, ending with the steep climb up the Kymin Steps before the glorious, flat run across the Cardiff Bay Barrage to the finish line.
Logistics
Running 100 miles in a straight line creates logistical challenges, but the Run Walk Crawl team makes it simple. You park your car in Cardiff Bay on Saturday morning, a dedicated coach (bookable with entry) transports you to Rhossili for the start, then you simply run back to your car. You have access to drop bags at varying points (usually Mumbles, Kenfig, and Llantwit Major) to restock supplies and change socks.
The route primarily follows the Wales Coast Path, which is well-marked with official signage. The organisers add extra arrows and tape, particularly in the inland forestry sections where you leave the coast. There are 12 manned checkpoints spaced roughly 7–10 miles apart. They are stocked with the usual ultra staples: water, squash, sweets, biscuits, and savoury snacks.
The Dragon Coastal 100 mile ultra is a "proper" journey. You aren't running in circles; you are traversing a country's coastline. The sense of achievement when you touch the Captain Scott Memorial in Cardiff, knowing you started at the Worm's Head the day before, is unmatched. For more information, including registration details, please visit the official race website.
