RUN247
Search
shop
RUN247 / Running News / Mountain Running News / Dragon’s Back Race Day Five: Nobles leads after Roberts retires

Dragon’s Back Race Day Five: Nobles leads after Roberts retires

Chris Buckley
Editor & Trail Runner
Updated on
SHOP


James Nobles has taken the lead in the Montane Dragon’s Back Race after a dramatic Day Five that saw defending champion Simon Roberts pull out while leading the race.

Roberts had come through strongly on Day Four to take the lead from Chris Cope, who had dominated from the start of the race.

He looked to be running well despite the extremely wet weather that dominated much of the 70km stage that featured the Black Mountain and the Brecon Beacons, including Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales. But severe tendonitis forced the Welsh runner to retire.

Nobles under no illusions

Nobles, who finished fastest runner of the day with a time of 9:38:29 and now leads the race, is under no illusions about the challenge he faces on the final leg.

“That was a really hard day. It’s not signed and sealed until we get to Cardiff,” he said.

Still struggling with an injury, Cope slowed significantly (11:48:31) and is now sitting in second place. David Jackson moved up into third place with a strong run (9:54:43).

Watson continues to impress

Dragons Back Day Five
Lisa Watson on Day Five of the 2022 Montane Dragon’s Back Race. ©Montane Dragon’s Back Race® | No Limits Photography

In the women’s race, Lisa Watson continued to impress and extended her already big lead.

Her time of 10:20:05 was the fourth fastest overall on the day and she now sits in sixth place. Bridget Glaister consolidated second place in the women’s field in 12:11:41, ahead of Victoria Morris (13:33:25).

Watson is poised to be the first person to win two Dragon’s Back Races.

The final leg will see the runners cover 63km and 1,300m of ascent before the finishing line in Cardiff, which will now be in Bute Park following the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.

Standings after Stage Five

Top three male runners overall:

1. James Nobles – 43:53:39

2. David Jackson – 45:27:54

3. Lee Parker – 46:26:21.

Top three female runners overall:

1. Lisa Watson – 46:46:24

2. Bridget Glaister – 57:25:04

3. Victoria Morris – 59:26:27.

You can track the runners live HERE.
You can view the standings HERE.

Avatar
Written by
Chris Buckley
With his passion for endurance running and love of content sees Chris contribute regularly to RUN247 using his experience of both to generate news, race previews and product reviews. 

Latest Running News

Barkley Marathons 2024 five finishers photo credit Keith Dunn on X
‘An iron will’: Ihor Verys’ remarkable journey from Ukraine to Barkley Marathons glory
Lazarus Lake day 2 Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
From “like a corpse” to sporting history: Laz Lake’s SPELLBINDING Jasmin Paris tribute
John Kelly Damian Hall Barkley Marathons 2023 loop two photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Damian Hall on Barkley Marathons near-miss: “I’m frustrated I made that one big mistake.”
Jasmin Paris inov-8 ambassador
WATCH: Jasmin Paris’ history-making Barkley finish as she inspires “women worldwide”
John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
‘She persisted’: John Kelly on why nothing will ever top Jasmin Paris at Barkley Marathons
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...