Cosdon Hill Race

Cosdon - Dartmoor Fell Series

The Cosdon race is a short fell event organised by Okehampton Running Club and held from Belstone village green as the race hub. The advertised course is 3.1 miles long with about 300 m of ascent and usually runs alongside the village fete. Parking is available at the cricket club with a short walk to Race HQ at the Tors Inn. Junior races take place before senior races and entry on the day is normally £1.

The route is unmarked but is marshalled in a couple of locations. It begins with a very fast, steep downhill to a narrow footbridge, followed by a sharp steep climb through gorse onto open moor. Runners follow a trod until the edge of a marsh basin where they may either skirt around or cross through marshy ground. Long grass, hummocks and heather can slow progress before the summit cairns.

The return includes a fast, uneven descent and a gorse flanked path that presents a choice between a shallow ford or the narrow footbridge. The final approach includes a short, steep rise onto the village green. The finish area typically has a social atmosphere and offers village tea and cakes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.