Dovedale Dash
Dovedale, United Kingdom • 4 Oct 2026
Dovedale Dash
The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race held in Thorpe, Ashbourne (DE6 2AW) in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District. The main race distance is 4 3/4 mile. The event is organised by local volunteers and surplus proceeds support local charitable causes and the upkeep of Thorpe Village Hall. From the 2025 race the organisers donated £7,000 for village hall maintenance and £2,000 to a motor neurone disease charity and other local charities.
Courses and entry
- 4 3/4 mile - main race; entrants must be 12 years or older
- 1 1/4 mile - Mini Dash for U12s (with U9 category)
Online pre-entry fees are listed at £14 for adults and £9 for under 18s; on-the-day entries are higher. There is a limit of up to 300 on-the-day entries handled on a first come, first served basis, and on-the-day payments may be cash only. Registration must be completed on the day.
Course and logistics
The course runs mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold. The route includes a crossing at the Stepping Stones and sections around Thorpe Cloud, Lyn Dale and Lin Dale. Parking is free on Thorpe pastures, but the event has been cancelled in some years when the car park was too wet. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.