Cosdon Hill Race

Cosdon Dartmoor Fell Series

The event is a short fell race organised by Okehampton Running Club with the race centre at Belstone Village Green. The route is about 3.1 miles with approximately 300 m of ascent. Parking is available at the cricket club, a short walk to Race HQ at the Tors Inn. Junior races take place before the senior race and entry is normally £1 on the day.

The course is unmarked but is marshalled in a few places. The route begins with a very fast, steep downhill onto a narrow footbridge, followed by a sharp steep climb through gorse onto open moor. A trod leads toward the edge of a marsh basin where runners may choose to skirt around or go through. Long grass, hummocks and heather make parts of the ascent slower, and sheep trods are present in places. The summit is marked by cairns.

The descent is fast and uneven; finding a trod helps. The route returns along a gorse flanked path with an option to use a ford or the narrow footbridge, then a short 150 ft rise back to the village green finish. The finish area normally has a village atmosphere and offers tea and cakes. Recorded course bests: men 28:53, women 33:55. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.