Race The Tide

Event overview

Race The Tide takes place on Saturday 16 May 2026 at the privately owned Flete Estate, Mothecombe, South Devon. The event comprises three trail races that use private footpaths, the South West Coast Path, bridle paths, fields and woodland. Courses are fully marked, marshaled, and digitally timed. A Trail Running Association race permit is in place. All finishers receive a bespoke event medal and event t-shirts are available to purchase.

Distances

• Long Marathon - approximately 28.5–29 miles
• Long Half-Marathon - approximately 15–15.5 miles
• Watery Woodland Trail - 8.5 miles

Course features and logistics

The marathon route includes a beach section at Bigbury-on-Sea and a crossing of the causeway to Burgh Island, then returns via coastal paths, woodland and farmland around the Erme estuary. The half-marathon follows woodland and estuarine trails before joining the marathon route. The 8.5-mile Woodland Trail stays mainly on the Flete Estate and includes three short hills and one aid station about halfway. Aid station counts listed for the event are four for the marathon, three for the half-marathon and two for the woodland trail. Free parking is usually available (normally charged on other days). First aid is provided on course and at headquarters. Dogs are not permitted with runners during the races.

Entry and mandatory kit

Entries open and close on specified dates. Half-marathon and marathon runners must carry 1 litre water capacity, trail shoes, waterproof jacket, whistle, mobile phone with emergency contacts, emergency food and a foil blanket. Woodland Trail runners must carry 250 ml water capacity, trail shoes, a mobile phone with emergency contacts and a foil blanket. The event is cupless; participants must carry their own water containers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.