The Dartmoor Crossing / Great Escape

Event Overview

The Dartmoor Big Day Out, organized by OuterEdge Events, features two separate trail running races across Dartmoor. The event date is Saturday, 1st August 2026.

The Races

The event consists of two linear, off-road races:

• The Crossing: An ultramarathon of 33.5 miles (approximately 54 km) from Belstone on North Dartmoor to Ivybridge.
• The Great Escape: A long half-marathon of 15.5 miles (approximately 25 km) from Princetown to Ivybridge.

Both races finish at the Ivybridge Rugby Club, which serves as the event centre. The courses are fully marked and marshalled.

Route Details

The Crossing starts in Belstone and visits the moorland villages of Postbridge and Bellever. The route includes 1,119 metres of ascent and 1,516 metres of descent. It features two aid stations with food and refreshments, plus two water stops. A notable section between Eylesbarrow and Leftlake (approximately 9 miles) has no food or water provision due to its remoteness.

The Great Escape starts in Princetown and follows the final section of The Crossing route. It traverses remote moorland along the Abbot's Way and crosses the Erme Valley. The course has two drinks and refuelling stops.

Event Logistics

Registration for both races is at the finish location, Ivybridge Rugby Club. A paid coach service transports runners from Ivybridge to the respective start lines. Camping is available at the rugby club on Friday and Saturday nights for an additional fee. Shower and changing facilities are available on-site, and food and drinks are available for purchase post-race.

Participant Requirements

A mandatory kit list applies for both races, including items like trail shoes, a waterproof jacket, and capacity to carry a minimum amount of water (1.5 litres for The Crossing, 1 litre for The Great Escape). The event is cupless, so runners must bring their own reusable cup or bottle.

Time Limits & Cutoffs: The Crossing has a 10-hour time limit (start time 09:00), and The Great Escape has a 4.5-hour limit (start time 11:30). Specific cutoff times are enforced at various aid stations along the routes.

Age Requirements: The minimum age is 20 years for The Crossing and 17 years for The Great Escape on race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.