Hi everyone.

Last year we sadly lost a very special person, the legend that is Chris Lynch.

If you were lucky enough to have known him, then you know how much of a special person he truly was.

I remember about 8 years ago Chris sent me a promotion video about The Dragon's Back Race, and my instant reply was 'sod that'.

He had a keen interest for this race being the true Welshman that he was, and it was an itch he wanted to scratch.

I got back into running in late 2021, and Chris was thrilled to see me starting to do more endurance stuff again. I quickly came to the realisation that I wanted to take on this challenge but I knew that this isn't the sort of race you can just rock up to and simply 'wing it', this race will chew you up and spit you out if you are unprepared.

I remember when I called Chris and told him that I wanted to do The Dragon's Back Race, he was buzzing for me and we couldn't wait to start doing adventures together on the Brecon Beacons in preparation.

And now I'm here, entering the 2023 Dragon's Back Race.

So what is The Dragon's Back Race? 

It's known as the world's toughest mountain race, and one of the worlds toughest multi day races.

The Montane Dragon’s Back Race is a legendary running journey through Wales.

Starting at the top of Wales in Conwy castle and finishing at Cardiff castle, climbing the highest peaks and running all of the mountainous trails along the way.

Doing an ultramarathon a day for 6 days, adding up to 236M/380K and accumulating an elevation of over 17,000M/57000FT.

This is going to be the toughest challenge that I have competed in to date.

Here is the website for more information on the race: www.dragonsbackrace.com/ 

I have also chosen to raise money for the SimonSays charity, this is a fantastic small charity based in Hampshire supporting child bereavement. The charity works with children and young people up to the age of 18 years who have either experienced bereavement, or are coming to terms with a significant person in their life dying.

If you'd like to know more about the SimonSays charity, please visit the link to their website: www.simonsays.org.uk/about-us/