Runners still in the race have shown determination over four days. Photo: Ian Corless

The three leaders in a gruelling five-day mountain run down the spine of Wales consolidated their positions on the penultimate day of the race.

Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race first-place runner Jim Mann remained about an hour-and-a-half overall in front of second-place Jasmin Paris.

Konrad Rawlik continued his strong performance in third, more than an hour behind Paris.

Race organisers said the final runner in the race arrived at the campsite below the Brianne Reservoir at 5am today.

The original field of 140 runners has been reduced to 64 still racing competitively. Organisers said one of day four’s major casualties was Jez Bragg. Bragg felt sick overnight and was unable to hold down any food, and retired from the race during the day.

Barring accident, injury or poor route choices, the top five runners should retain their positions, they said. The racing in the top 10 today, the final day, will determine positions six, seven and eight, as the three runners are separated by only seven minutes.

By the end of Thursday’s running, Jim Mann had a total race time of 32hrs 59mins; Jasmin Paris 34hrs 34mins, and Konrad Rawlik 35hrs 52mins. Third quickest on the day was the second woman Beth Pascall, who moved up to fourth overall, ahead of Damian Hall, followed by Owen Rees, Jonas Möllare and Lizzie Wraith.

The top 10 is completed by Charlie Sharpe and Lawrence Eccles.

Race director Shane Ohly said, ahead of the start of day five: “There have been tears of joy and tears of pain at an emotional and atmospheric overnight camp as the runners prepare to start the final day of the 2015 Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race.

“The last finisher from day four arrived after 5 o’clock this morning, having been out on the course for over 23 hours, meaning the support team have had a tiring and stressful night.

“However, all thoughts now turn to Carreg Cennen Castle where the runners remaining in the full race will be aiming to finish today.”

Among runners looking to finish today is Joe Faulkner, who is currently lying in 27th place and aiming to be the only person to finish all three Dragon’s Back Race events. The competitors started leaving their overnight camp at 6am today. The final day of the race is underway.

Live tracking of the runners as they make their way to the finish in the Brecon Beacons national park is available on the Berghaus Dragon’s Back website. http://www.dragonsbackrace.com/live-tracking/