Previous runs have been completed under the “fun run” category, however this year we plan on training to enter the “elite” races, meaning we have to be able to complete the course in under 20 minutes. We will probably be the first elite runners to enter in fancy dress too! All in the name of charity!

On Monday 24th August 2009 a team of young enthusiasts are setting off to “Challenge the Dragon” in aid of charity!

The challenge is a 254 mile cycle from Holyhead, North Wales, to Cardiff Bay, South Wales through some of the most rugged and beautiful Welsh countryside! The challengers will be equipped with only their bike and a backpack carrying everything they will need for the week, including a tent which will act as their accomodation for the duration of the journey.

The route will take the team about a week to complete, averaging between 30-40 miles a day, and takes them through some of Wales’ most historic locations, including “Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch” – the longest place name in Britain!

The Team

Chris Edwards (22)

David Williams (21)

Andrew Riddiford (20)

Daryl Robbins (22)

The Route

Stage 1: Holyhead to Caernarfon

Tuesday 25th August

(38 Miles)

Challengers will be cycling through Llanfair PG, across the famous Menai Bridge and onwards towards Caernarfon Castle.

Stage 2: Caernarfon to Porthmadog

Wednesday 26th August

(29 Miles)

Challengers will be cycling along the Lôn Eifion Railway path, then cycling on a loop down to Criccieth and its famous castle before moving onward to Porthmadog.

Stage 3: Porthmadog to Dolgellau (via Barmouth)

Thursday 27th August

(29 Miles)

Challengers will be cycling along the coast during this stage, taking them through Harlech and on to Barmouth along the old railway bridge over the Mawddach estuary.

Stage 4: Dolgellau to Machynlleth (via Tywyn)

Friday 28th August

(36 Miles)

During this section challengers will be cycling along the Mawddach Trail, famous for its scenic beauty, finishing in Machynlleth near the world famous Centre for Alternative Technology.

Stage 5: Machynlleth to Llanidloes (via Dylife)

Saturday 29th August

(24 Miles)

Challengers will be reaching the highest point on the trip during this section of the cycle, reaching 510m above sea level, with some difficult climbs up to Llanidloes.

Stage 6: Llanidloes to Builth Wells (via Rhayader)

Sunday 30th August

(32 Miles)

Challengers will face some difficult climbs during this section that will take the cyclists through Rhayader and onto Builth Wells, home to the Royal Welsh Showground.

Stage 7: Builth Wells to Brecon (via Talgarth)

Monday 31st August

(32 Miles)

Challengers will enjoy a long down hill section during this stage before climbing back up 575ft into the Brecon Beacons National Park and onto Brecon town.

Stage 8: Brecon to Cardiff (via the Taff Trail)

Tuesday 1st September

(54 Miles)

Challengers will tackle the longest stage between Brecon and Cardiff, with a 1015ft climb at the start of the stage, cycling through the famous South Wales Valleys and down to Cardiff Bay and the end of the challenge.