Kevin Douglas tackles Crib Goch during the event. Photo: Ian Corless

One of the favourites in the gruelling Berghaus Dragon’s Back race has had to drop out after he was injured in a fall.

And another competitor admitted he feared for his life during the first day of the five-day race, which crossed the intimidating Crib Goch knife-edge ridge on Snowdon.

Jim Mann headed the race at the end of day one, which saw the last runner arrive at the finish at 12.25am. Pavel Paloncy withdrew from the race after a fall.

Berghaus Dragon's Back leader Jim Mann. Photo Ian Corless

The UK runner was 11 minutes ahead of second-place man André Jonsson of Sweden. Equal third were British runners Edward Catmur and Jasmin Paris, the highest-placed woman.

Race director Shane Ohly said at the end of the first day’s racing: “An extremely long day for competitors and team, but wow, it’s been incredible to follow the racers in near real time. Some great stories from those out on the course and a superb forecast for tomorrow.”

Runner Travis Twoey added: “I never feared for my life in a foot race until now.”

Jasmin Paris was fastest woman on the first day. Photo: Ian Corless

The first competitors left Gwersyllfa Hafod y Llan campsite at 6.00am today, heading south on the course which crosses the spine of Wales.

At the time of writing, women runners were making a strong presence, with Jasmin Paris neck-and-neck with Jim Mann, Lizzie Wraith in third place and Beth Pascall in fourth.

The runners can be tracked in real time on the Berghaus Dragon’s Back website.