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South Hams 44 Mile Ultramarathon
If you think a coastal run means a flat day out at the seaside, the South Hams 44 Mile Ultramarathon is here to prove you wrong. This is a breathtaking, quad-crushing journey along one of the most demanding and dramatic sections of the South West Coast Path.
Organised by the fantastic team at Wild Running, this 44 mile ultra serves up the absolute best of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It takes the same brutal, beautiful terrain as its 100 mile big brother but condenses the suffering and the scenery into a single daylight (and early evening) push.
Course
The South Hams coastline is famous for its jagged headlands, hidden smuggler coves, and sweeping river estuaries. It is also famous for having virtually zero flat sections.
You will be tackling a relentless series of steep climbs and descents. Every time you drop down to a beautiful, secluded beach, you know you immediately have to climb back up the cliff face on the other side.
- The Terrain: Expect a mix of hard-packed dirt trails, rocky staircases, sandy beaches, and grassy clifftops.
- The Estuaries: The route navigates the intricate coastal geography of South Devon, meaning you may have to tackle tidal river crossings or estuary diversions (such as the Erme or Avon), depending on the tide times on race day.
- The Views: When your legs are screaming, the panoramic views of the English Channel, Start Bay, and the rugged Devon cliffs provide the perfect distraction.
The South Hams 44 mile ultra marathon is the perfect balance of distance and difficulty. 44 miles is a highly respected ultra distance, but the amount of elevation on this specific coastal path makes it feel like a longer race. It is a fantastic test of mental grit and leg strength, serving as either a standalone monumental achievement or the perfect training ground for a future 100 mile ultra marathon. For race details, including registration info and mandatory kit, please visit the official Wild Running Events website.
