Dragon's Belly

Details

Background - In September 2012 I completed the Dragon's Back Race but was disappointed at not having been over a number of iconic tops that were included in the 1992 original race route. A few weeks later I came up with idea of running the route as a challenge in 2013. A number of competitors who had failed to complete the 2012 race (through no fault of their own) were also very interested in my idea and so the Dragon's Belly was born. Since then Charmian Heaton and I have been planning a self funded and supported challenge with like minded friends to take place in July 2013.

Sponsorship - In July 2005 I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer as described on www.runbg.co.uk. I have subsequently been looking for a small cancer charity to support and have found one in www.odyssey.org.uk . I will be running the Dragon's Belly to raise sponsorship money for this charity and will put up a JustGiving page nearer the time. I'm hoping that more people will join me in raising money for Odyssey.

Participants  - At the moment I am joined by Steve Wathall, Max Howard and Tim Whittaker. Hugo Iffla from Odyssey is very interested in running the event as a relay for his charity team. I've had a number of people expressed an interest and am awaiting confirmation.

Format - The planning is likely to evolve over the course of the next few months but in principle the route will follow as closely as possible the 1992 race route and the overnight stops will be in the same or adjacent locations. Participants will be asked to run in pairs or small groups in order to be able to look after one another and will be responsible for recording the times they visit the checkpoints along the route. An informal record will be kept of everyone's progress and we will try and post this on the internet as the week develops.

Maps and Accommodation - Participants will be asked to provide their own maps and if possible a supporter to meet them at road crossings with food, drinks and additional or fresh clothes, shoes, socks etc. We are investigating the availability of a camping barn with showers and kitchen facilities for the end of Day 1 but other overnight camps will involve camping and participants should supply suitable tent / tents for themselves and their support team. It is envisaged that early finishers each day will muck in and help put up tents for the later finishers.

Day 1    Llyn Gwynant Barns        £11 per head (£250 minimum charge)

Day 2    Cymer Abbey (Vanner) Campsite    £6 per head

Day 3    Eisteddfa Gurig Farm Campsite        £3 per head

Day 4    Gallt Bere Campsite or B&B at the Royal Oak, Rhandyrmwyn    £? per head / £39 per head

Day 5    To be decided but possibly camping in Llandovery

Food

We are looking at various options for food and if anyone knows someone who would be interested in following the event with mobile catering equipment with a view to providing breakfast and evening meals then please get in touch. Other alternatives are to ask several people to do food for one day or to get takeaways when we get closer to civilisation (eg Dollgellau).

Other Support

We have had quite a few people wishing to run one or two days and support on the others, eg Wendy Dodds who with her medical expertise will be a valuable asset to the group. If anyone else would like to do the same then please contact Nicky at nicky9@runbg.co.uk