Simon Dent is about to embark on a mission so mad that even the sheep in Wales are probably taking bets against him. He’s not just a big name in the sports world; he’s also a glutton for punishment.
His latest escapade? The Dragon’s Back Race—a 380-kilometre odyssey that snakes along the spine of Wales and is considered one of the most brutal mountain ultras on the planet.
If that doesn’t make your knees wobble just thinking about it, you’re probably a mountain goat.
But Simon isn’t just doing this to add another notch on his battered running shoes. He’s taking on this behemoth of a challenge to raise money for Greenhouse Sports, a charity he’s been passionately supporting for years.
And get this—he’s already racked up over £100,000 in donations. Yes, you read that right. That’s more zeros than my golf score on a bad day.
The Dragon’s Back Race kicks off on the 2nd of September, and for six days, Simon and a handful of equally deranged individuals will be scrambling up and down the Welsh mountains, covering a distance that would make most of us reach for a taxi.
The total climb? A knee-popping 16,400 meters. That’s nearly twice the height of Mount Everest, folks. Let that sink in while you’re sitting comfortably in your chair.
Now, Greenhouse Sports isn’t just any charity. These guys are the real deal, placing elite sports coaches in schools across some of the UK’s toughest neighbourhoods—places like London, Leicester, and Portsmouth.
These coaches don’t just teach kids how to kick a ball or swing a bat; they’re mentors, guiding these youngsters to become better versions of themselves. It’s about giving them a fighting chance in life, something Simon is clearly passionate about.
Simon’s connection with Greenhouse Sports goes way back, to a time when he was coaching their participants before he decided that running through deserts and over mountains would be a good idea.
His previous fundraising stunts have included the Run in the Sun—a modest little jaunt of 250 kilometres through the Moroccan Sahara over seven days. You know, just a walk in the park. If that doesn’t make you feel like a couch potato, nothing will.
This time, Simon’s goal is to raise enough cash to cover the cost of a Greenhouse Sports coach for an entire year at a school.
And let’s be honest, that’s money well spent. The impact these coaches have on young lives is immeasurable, and Simon knows it.
“I’ve been involved with Greenhouse Sports for over 20 years, and the work they do is nothing short of incredible,” says Simon.
“The Dragon’s Back is widely regarded as the toughest mountain ultra in the world, so I thought, why not? It’s the perfect challenge to help raise funds for this amazing cause.”
Simon’s been preparing for this beast of a race throughout the summer, taking on the route in stages and getting a taste of what’s to come.
He’s ready, or as ready as one can be for a challenge that most sane people would never consider.
If you’re inspired by Simon’s story—and really, how could you not be?—you can support his fundraising efforts by visiting his JustGiving page.
Every penny raised will go towards making a real difference in the lives of young people through the power of sport.
To support Simon Dent’s fundraising and follow his Dragon’s Back journey, visit Simon’s JustGiving page.