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Blackdown Beast

Name: Blackdown Beast
Start: 2026-01-24
End: 2026-01-24
Location: Dunkeswell

Dunkeswell, United Kingdom • 24 Jan 2026

The Blackdown Beast

The Blackdown Beast is a social, self-navigated run in the Blackdown Hills organised by Honiton Running Club. The event raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support. It is based at the Skydive Centre on Dunkeswell Airfield and takes place on Saturday, 24th January 2026. The event offers route options including a shorter option near 10 miles and a longer route of about 16 miles.

Course and logistics

Runners follow a cross-country route on seldom used footpaths and lanes with several refreshment stops along the way.

7.6 miles: cross-country to Smeatharpe; pasty and mulled wine at Smeatharpe Village Hall.
2.8 miles: lanes and country paths to Upottery; Sidmouth Arms provides refreshments.
3.3 miles: road and country to Luppitt Village Hall (refreshment stop TBC, cash).
2.7 miles: across Luppitt Common back to Dunkeswell Airport; Aviation Cafe accepts cash and card.

The 10 mile option finishes at Upottery; minibus transport is provided to return 10-mile entrants to Dunkeswell (entrants must select the 10 mile option on the entry form). Dogs are not permitted on the route. In 2024 the event raised over £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United Kingdom South West (England) Dunkeswell

Race information

Website

16 mi

16 Miles

10 mi

10 Miles

8 mi

7.6 Miles Cross-Country Leg

Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Trail runs nearby

Wednesday Jun 24

Forde Abbey 10K

Thorncombe

10 km

A technical off-road 10 km through woodlands, meadows and river crossings on the Forde Abbey Estate, plus a free Junior 1500 m for primary-age children. Medals for all and prizes for winners; some participant restrictions apply.

Friday Jun 26

Exeter 10K River Run

Exeter

10 km

A community 10 km run organised by Exeter City Community Trust, held from Race HQ at Haven Banks and routed along the Riverside Valley Park. The event is chip timed, provides water stations, first aid and a finisher medal; minimum age 15.

Saturday Jul 4

Forest Flyer

Kennford

5 mi

A roughly 5 mile trail race through Haldon Forest Park near Exeter that includes a hillclimb championship and prize categories, is cupless with water stations, and will donate a share of profits to St Petrock's. Entrants must be 18 or older..

Saturday Jul 11

Otter Rail and River Run

Sidmouth

1 mi

10 km

Scenic off road 10 km and a short fun run around Tipton St John following footpaths through the Otter Valley, with camping on the village field and local prizes for finishers.