Dovedale Dash
Dovedale, United Kingdom • 4 Oct 2026
Event overview
The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 mile held around the village of Thorpe, near Ashbourne and Dovedale in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District. The event was first held in 1953 and the 2026 race is the 66th edition. It typically attracts between 1,200 and 1,400 participants and is organised by local volunteers. Surplus proceeds support local charitable causes and the upkeep of Thorpe Village Hall; 2025 donations included £7,000 for hall maintenance and £2,000 to other charities.
Course and logistics
- 4 3/4 mile main cross country course through fields, paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold.
- 1 1/4 mile Mini Dash for children around the foot of Thorpe Cloud.
The main course includes a river crossing at the Stepping Stones and sections through Lin Dale. The Mini Dash is for U12s (11 and under) with separate U9 and U12 categories; the main race is for those aged 12 and over. Parking is free on Thorpe pastures. The organisers reserve a limited number of on-the-day entries (maximum 300); online pre-entry fees are listed as £14 for adults, with reduced fees for under 18s and children’s entries, and on-the-day entry fees are higher. Events have been cancelled in past years when pastures and car parks were too wet. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.