Is the Dragon's Back Race the toughest mountain run ever? – in pictures

The first Dragon's Back race was run in 1992 and after a 20-year hiatus competitors this week steeled themselves for the gruelling five-day, 200-mile run over the Welsh mountains Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

Competitors set off at dawn on 3 September 2012 from Conwy Castle for a 35-mile first day run. They then continued along the mountainous spine of the country south to Carreg Cennen Castle Photograph: Rob Howard

The route takes in some spectacular scenery and some challenging conditions – low cloud, tough terrain and cold peaks – with runners typically ascending and descending for between 8-16 hours a day depending on their speed Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

The route takes in Wales's most famous mountain ranges, including Snowdon, the Moelwyns and Rhinogs ranges, Cadair Idris, the Elan Valley and the Black Mountains Photograph: Jon Brooke/Rightplacerightime.co.uk

Scrambling above the clouds. The terrain presents an additional challenge, even for experienced trail runners, and competitors have to be able to navigate their way along the route too Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

Helene Whitaker, who beat some of the world's best and toughest male runners in 1992 to win the original Dragon's Back race Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

Helene Whitaker contemplates another climb - 20 years after her first win she held fourth place at the end of day three Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

When competitors make it back to camp in the evening medics are on hand to treat blisters, dehydration and exhaustion, while a volunteer offers massages for aching muscles Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

Race leader Steve Birkinshaw on Glyder Fach Photograph: Rob Howard

One competitor's face shows the agony – while the photographer shows us the difficulty of the terrain Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

The Indian summer means racers are feeling the heat during the day and cold temperatures at night, when they sleep in tents set up by the support team. Mountain streams provide water for washing and drinking Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

Not all competitors will complete course. Race Director Shane Ohly told Rob Howard who is blogging the race, “I am, of course, disappointed for the runners who didn’t make it ... We’ve said it is one of the hardest runs in the world too, but I get the feeling lots of events say they are the toughest/hardest etc. so competitors don’t really believe you when you say it ... but we meant it!” Photograph: Berghaus/Alsatair Lee

A runner is dwarfed by the fearsome and spectacular rocky ridge of Crib Goch that leads towards the summit of Snowdon Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee

One competitor here makes his way towards the summit of Snowdon. The winners will be presented with a trophy this Friday when everyone will sit down to a well-earned dinner at Carreg Cennen Castle Photograph: Berghaus/Alastair Lee