Dragon's Back Race

The movie "Dragon's Back Race" from 2013 is a compelling documentary film about one of the toughest mountain running races in the world, set in the beautiful, yet treacherous landscape of Wales.

The film follows the stories of three runners - Rob Baker, Steve Birkinshaw, and Wendy Dodds - as they take on the grueling challenge of completing the Dragon's Back Race, a five-day, 200-mile ultra-marathon that follows the rugged terrain of the Welsh mountains from north to south.

Throughout the film, the audience is taken on a journey through the runners' intense training regimes, their personal struggles, and the incredible physical and mental endurance required to complete this demanding race.

Rob Baker, a former international rugby player, has never competed in an ultra-marathon before, but is determined to take on the challenge. He trains tirelessly for months, pushing himself beyond his limits, in search of the strength and resilience he will need to complete the race.

Steve Birkinshaw, known as one of the UK's best fell runners, has already won the Dragon's Back Race twice before. But as he prepares for his third attempt, he faces new challenges, including a serious ankle injury that threatens to derail his hopes of success.

Wendy Dodds, a veteran fell runner and record-holder, is one of the oldest competitors in the race. At 60 years old, she is set to become the oldest woman to complete the Dragon's Back Race, but the physical demands of the race, combined with the extreme weather conditions, make her journey even more challenging.

Shot against the stunning backdrop of the Welsh mountains, the film captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of the Dragon's Back Race. The runners' personal struggles and triumphs are brought to life through a combination of stunning cinematography, heart-wrenching interviews, and captivating storytelling.

Throughout the five-day race, the runners face a series of brutal challenges, including rocky terrain, rugged climbs, and extreme weather conditions. As they push their bodies to the limit, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and doubts, and find the inner strength to keep going.

Despite the grueling nature of the race, the runners are also united by a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, as they encourage each other to keep pushing forward, and share in the triumph of crossing the finish line.

Overall, "Dragon's Back Race" is a must-see film for any sports enthusiast or lover of human triumph over adversity. It is a powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of the human body and mind, and a testament to the unrelenting power of the mountains that we call home.