Got your mandatory kit sorted?
Browse the ultra runners' kit list for all your essential gear.
Dragon Coastal 50 Mile Ultramarathon
The Dragon 50 isn't just "half" of the 100 miler; it’s a spectacular standalone ultra marathon that cherry-picks the very best of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.
Starting on Sunday morning, you get the benefit of fresh legs (unlike the poor 100 mile souls you’ll be passing) to tackle a route that is visually stunning but physically deceptive. While on paper it looks like a net downhill run to the capital, the terrain throws up unique challenges, specifically sand. Lots of sand.
From the shifting dunes of Merthyr Mawr to the Jurassic cliffs of Southerndown and the urban finish in Cardiff Bay, this race offers a perfect 50 mile tour of South Wales.
Course
The race kicks off at 07:30 from the Kenfig Sands Nature Reserve.
The first section is all about the coast. You’ll head east through Porthcawl before hitting the race’s most infamous feature: Merthyr Mawr Warren. These are the second-highest sand dunes in Europe. Running over them is sapping, sliding work, but the view from the top of the "Big Dipper" is worth the effort.
After surviving the dunes, you’ll cross the river via the iconic stepping stones at Ogmore Castle (don’t fall in!). From here, the route climbs onto the cliffs of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. This section is world-class trail running: solid paths, dramatic drops to the rocky beaches below, and views across the Bristol Channel.
As you approach the finish, the route flattens out through Porthkerry Park and the seaside town of Barry. But don't switch off yet, just before the end, you have to tackle the Kymin Steps in Penarth. It’s a steep, cruel climb when you have 48 miles in your legs. Once you crest that, it’s a glorious, flat victory lap across the Cardiff Bay Barrage to the Norwegian Church.
Logistics
Point-to-point ultras can be a hassle, but Run Walk Crawl have made the setup here straightforward.
- Leave your car in Cardiff Bay on Sunday morning.
- Hop on the event bus (leaves Cardiff approx. 06:15) which takes you directly to the start line at Kenfig.
- You run back to your car. Simple.
The route follows the Wales Coast Path (wavy shell symbol), but the Run Walk Crawl team adds plenty of yellow arrows and tape, especially where the route diverts or gets tricky. There are also 7 manned checkpoints along the way. That’s roughly one every 6-8 miles, so you never have to carry massive amounts of water between stops. Expect sweets, biscuits, crisps, and water/squash.
The Dragon 50 miler is an excellent "step up" for runners who have done a marathon or a 50k ultra and want to push further. The 16.5-hour cut-off is generous (averaging about 3mph), making it achievable for strong hikers and "completers" as well as the racers at the front. For more details on the Dragon Coastal 50 mile ultra marathon from Run Walk Crawl, please visit the official race website.
