Dartmoor Prison Break

Event

Dartmoor Prison Break is an outdoor navigation and distance challenge held at HMP Dartmoor on Saturday 30th to Sunday 31st May 2026. Participants aim to achieve the furthest straight-line distance from the start location on foot within a set time. The event begins with a mass breakout and allows individual route choice, subject to route restrictions. All movement must use public rights of way.

Categories and entries

There are three timed categories: 6 hour Absconder, 12 hour Delinquent, and 24 hour Felon. The minimum age for all categories is 18 years. Entries open on 1 October 2025 and close on 15 May 2026. Entry fees are: 6 hour - £45, 12 hour - £55, 24 hour - £65. At the time of the listing there are 40 participants entered.

Safety and rules

All participants will be monitored for the full duration with a GPS tracker device; friends and family can monitor individual progress. The event is controlled to public rights of way only; tunnelling or use of improvised aircraft is not permitted. There is a mandatory kit list and a pre-event equipment check. Required kit includes waterproof jacket and trousers with taped seams, head torch with spare batteries or power supply, mobile phone, compass and maps or digital mapping, whistle, drinking water, hat, gloves, spare base layer, emergency food, emergency foil blanket, and a first aid kit. Medals are awarded to all escapees. The event is organised by Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.