Dovedale Dash
Dovedale, United Kingdom • 4 Oct 2026
Dovedale Dash
The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race held around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne in the Derbyshire Peak District. The main course runs across fields, paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold. A notable feature of the route is the crossing of the River Dove at the well known Stepping Stones.
The event includes a separate children's Mini Dash around the foot of Thorpe Cloud. The Mini Dash follows a clockwise route round Thorpe Cloud, down to the River Dove and alongside the river to the stepping stones, then uphill through Lin Dale to the main finish. Children under 12 are encouraged to take part in the Mini Dash because the main race is not suitable for them.
The race was first held in 1953 and the 2026 running is the 66th edition. The main race starts from Thorpe pastures. Parking is provided on Thorpe pastures and has been a factor in past cancellations when the car park was too wet.
Distances and age categories:
- 4 3/4 mile main race, for ages 12 and over
- 1 1/4 mile Mini Dash, for U12s with U9 and U12 categories
Entry fees listed for 2026 are £14 for adults and £9 for U18s for the main race, and £5 for the Mini Dash. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.