The Dartmoor Beast

The Dartmoor Beast

The Dartmoor Beast is a trail running event in Dartmoor National Park held on Sunday 27 September 2026. The course travels across open moorland, woodland, rivers and bog, and includes several steep ascents and rocky terrain.

Runners can choose between two route options:

• 20 miles: 3399 ft ascent, visits five granite tors and includes the summit of High Willhays.
• 14 miles: 2224 ft ascent, visits four tors and reaches the highest point in southern England.

The event uses chip timing and will publish results online; finishing times are also sent to competitors by text. The route is supported with water stations, a refreshment stand, toilets on course and at the start and finish, and professional medical cover with first aid stations. Competitors should bring a personal container for water because cups are not provided. Walking poles and dogs are not permitted on either route.

All finishers receive a metal medal and a traditional Devon cream tea at the finish, and trophies are awarded to the fastest male and female runners on each route. GPX files for both routes are issued at least two months before the event. Event proceeds benefit Hospiscare, the local hospice for Exeter and central and east Devon. Entries for this edition have sold out. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.