City to Sea
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City to Sea
City to Sea offers three distances along the South West coast between Exeter area points and Babbacombe Downs.
- 50k - Exeter Quayside to Babbacombe Downs; includes an extra loop; runners only.
- Marathon - Exeter Quayside to Babbacombe Downs; can be run or hiked.
- Half Marathon - Dawlish Warren to Babbacombe Downs; can be run or hiked.
The 50k and marathon routes follow the Exe Estuary to Dawlish Warren, proceed along the Sea Wall to Dawlish, then follow the South West Coast Path to Teignmouth. Runners cross Shaldon Bridge into Shaldon; the first section is mainly flat tarmac with some gravel paths. From Shaldon the route continues on hilly trails to Babbacombe where all distances finish on Babbacombe Downs. The coast path is marked with Acorn signage and marshals and signage are provided where needed; participants are otherwise advised to keep the Exe Estuary or the sea on their left.
Aid stations and cut-offs are specified by distance: five aid stations for the 50k, four for the marathon, and two for the half marathon. Cut-offs are nine hours for the marathon and 50k, and six hours for the half marathon. The event is cupless; participants must bring their own cup or bottle.
Mandatory kit includes a mobile phone with the race director number, a filled water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 500 ml, 250 ml for the half), and emergency payment of cash or card around £20. Race nutrition is recommended; 50k participants should carry route navigation for the final extra loop. A coach transfer from Babbacombe to start lines is available for £10. An optional finisher T-shirt is offered for £10. Finishers receive a bespoke City to Sea medal and a warm pasty with meat, vegetarian, or vegan choices.
Entry fees vary by distance and affiliation: 50k affiliated £50, 50k unaffiliated £52; marathon affiliated £44, marathon unaffiliated £45; half marathon affiliated £35, half marathon unaffiliated £37. Minimum age is 18 for marathon and half marathon, and 21 for the 50k. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
