Exe to Axe Race - 22 Miles

Event overview

Exe to Axe is a trail running event on Sunday 12 April 2026 that follows the South West Coast Path from Exmouth to Seaton. The route includes about 4,000 feet of ascent. This is the 22nd running of the event. Distances and formats offered include:

• 22 miles : Exe to Axe (full route from Exmouth to Seaton)
• 22 miles relay : split into 2, 3 or 4 sections
• Sid to Axe : the second half from Sidmouth to Seaton

The Exe to Axe and Sid to Axe are chip timed. The finish is on the beach in Seaton, opposite the Mariner's Hotel. Registration for 2026 takes place at Sideshore, at the same location as the start.

Practical information

Entries open 30 May 2025 and close 30 March 2026. Entry fees for individuals are listed for each course, with higher fees applying from 15 February 2026; unaffiliated entrants pay an additional £2. An optional pre-race transfer is available for a fee, and runners can pay to transport hand baggage from start to finish. Pre-race bus transport runs from Seaton Coach Park and parking is available at Seaton Long Stay Car Park.

Age and safety rules: runners must be 18 or older for the full Exe to Axe. Relay teams may include 15 year olds on stages of 6 miles or less (Exmouth to Budleigh, Budleigh to Sidmouth, Branscombe to Seaton); 16 year olds may run Sidmouth to Branscombe; 17 year olds may run one or two sections. No dogs are allowed. Time limits are 7 hours for the full event and 6 hours for Sid to Axe. Checkpoints provide water and snacks near Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Branscombe. Organizer: Sidmouth Running Club. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.