Blackdown Beast
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Blackdown Beast
The Blackdown Beast is a social, self-navigated cross country run in the Blackdown Hills that raises money for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event offers various route lengths between 10.5 and 18 miles and starts at the Skydive Centre on Dunkeswell Airfield.
The course is run in linked legs over footpaths, lanes and country tracks. The initial leg is 7.6 miles on seldom used footpaths to Smeatharpe, where runners are served a pasty and mulled wine at Smeatharpe Village Hall. The next leg is 2.8 miles to Upottery and the Sidmouth Arms; the 10 mile option finishes at Upottery. A minibus is provided to return the 10 mile option to Dunkeswell and entrants should select the 10 mile option on the entry form if they require this transport.
Longer routes continue by road to Rawridge, cross the River Otter and climb to a viewpoint above Luppitt before a 3.3 mile section to Luppitt Village Hall for refreshments. The final 2.7 mile leg crosses Luppitt Common back to Dunkeswell Airport, where the cafe accepts cash and card payments. Runners are asked to keep farms happy by not bringing dogs on the route.
Runners and organisers note varied terrain, scenic views and several staffed refreshment stops along the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
