Dragon’s Back Race Day Three: Watson out of sight and Cope goes clear

Lisa Watson once again proved she was in a different class in the women’s race, while Chris Cope extended his lead on Day Three of the 2022 Dragon’s Back Race.

Cope’s lead ahead of second placed James Nobles is now one hour and 26 minutes, while Watson was the first woman to finish for a third successive day and is over six hours clear of the nearest rival Helen Brown.

Roberts second fastest on Day Three

2021 winner Simon Roberts ran the second fastest on the third day, with a time of 9:08:46, but he failed to cut the gap on Cope who finished with a time of 8:43:49.

Meanwhile Watson’s 09:45:58 solidified her position as the leading woman and ninth in the overall standings. She now has a total time of 28:12:42, three hours Cope has totalled 24:42:24.

Stage three saw runners take on a 70km route from Dolgellau to Ceredigion. The Route passes through two towns, with many runners traditionally stopping there to pick supplies or eat.

Statistically those who finish day three are likely to complete the journey to Cardiff Castle.

The fourth day will see runners climb considerably less than they have had to in the previous stages, ascending just 2300m as they travel through Elan Valley to near the village of Rhandirmwyn.

Standings after Stage Two

Men: 1 C Cope, 28:12:42, 2 J Nobles 34:42:51, 3 Roberts 36:32:08.
Women: 1 : L Watson 28:12:42, 2: H Brown 34:27:26, 3: V Morris 34:42:51.

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