Dovedale Dash
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About the race
The Dovedale Dash is a long established cross country race held around the village of Thorpe in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District, near Ashbourne and Dovedale. The main race covers 4 3/4 mile over field paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold and includes a river crossing at the Stepping Stones.
There is a separate children's race for under 12s and under 9s. The children's course is roughly c 1 1/4 mile, runs down to the river Dove, goes under Thorpe Cloud and returns up Lin Dale to the main finish. Children may be accompanied on this course.
The event is organised by local volunteers and typically attracts between 1,200 and 1,400 runners. Surplus proceeds support local charitable causes and the upkeep of Thorpe Village Hall; from the 2025 race organisers were able to donate £7,000 for hall maintenance and £2,000 to motor neurone disease and other local charities including Connex and Careline.
Practical details include paid online and on-the-day entry options, a limit of 300 on-the-day entries assigned first come first served, no charge for car parking, and cash only for on-the-day payments. The race has taken place since 1953 and is run on a voluntary basis by local people. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
