Jim Mann Wins 2015 Berghaus Dragon's Back Race

© Ian Corless

The runners have crossed the finish line on the Berghaus Dragon's Back Race. Jim Mann maintained the solid lead he's held throughout to win the race in a total time of 40hrs08mins, 90 minutes ahead of the field. Second was Jasmin Paris on 41hrs45, with Konrad Rawlik third on 43hrs44.

The top six places were shared equally between male and female competitors, a sign of the strength and talent in the current crop of female runners.

photo
2015 Dragon's Back champions Mann and Paris
© Ian Corless

Over the five relentless days of the race between Conwy in the north and Carrreg Cennen Castle in the south competitors have clocked up roughly 300km and 16,000m of ascent on rough mountain terrain.

Though it's only the third time ever that the Dragon's Back has been staged the event has gained a reputation as one of the toughest races in the world. As a consequence only 32 of nearly 100 runners finished the full route in 2012. This year's rate of attrition has been similar, and by the end of day three only around half were still in the running.

Jim Mann extending his lead back on day three  © Ian Corless
Jim Mann extending his lead back on day three
© Ian Corless

Jez Bragg, arguably favourite to win in 2015, was among the runners to retire. Not-so-fresh from recently breaking the Ramsay Round record (see UKH news) he was forced to pull out on day four.

However Jim Mann and Jasmin Paris both finished ahead of the leading times from 2012, in Mann's case by around three hours.

'I learned a lot from 2012' said a  - presumably weary - Jim Mann, 'and have enjoyed running in the Welsh hills this year in preparation for the race. Like 2012, the atmosphere at the event has been amazing and Jasmin has been a legendary companion to race with in the last two days.'

For her part, Jasmin Paris added: 

'It’s a great feeling to finish second overall. The event has lived up to my expectations with five fantastic days of mountain running.  To finish the fifth day running together and sharing the spirit of the journey in a group was everything that I hoped.'

For race director Shane Ohly it's been a long, exhausting week too.

'As always, the competitors have been amazing' he said, 'whether they were competing at the front or striving hard to beat cut-off times in the middle of the night. Huge congratulations to Jim and Jasmin, and to everyone who has taken part in this incredible event. And massive thanks to Berghaus and all of the dedicated volunteers who make the Dragon’s Back Race possible. Without that sponsorship and practical support, none of this would happen and we wouldn’t be able to celebrate these great running achievements in the way that we intend to tonight.'

For the full results see the Dragon's Back website here

 


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