Dartmoor in a Day 50K Ultramarathon

Dartmoor in a Day 50K Ultra Marathon

Experience the raw, untamed beauty of Devon’s great wilderness. Dartmoor in a Day is a spectacular 50km ultramarathon that challenges you to traverse the entire length of Dartmoor National Park from South to North in a single push.

Organised by the experienced mountain and trail experts at Climb South West, this 50km (approx. 31 mile) ultra is a classic. It's a genuine cross-country adventure that strips away the manicured paths of commercial trail races and plunges you straight into the rugged, trackless heart of the moor.

Course

The challenge begins at the northern edge of the National Park in Okehampton and finishes on the southern boundary in Ivybridge.

Between these two towns lies 50 kilometres of some of the most challenging and rewarding terrain in the South West.

• The Terrain: You will encounter everything Dartmoor has to offer. The route features ancient, rocky bridleways, the remnants of the old Red Lake tramway, deep river valleys, towering granite tors, and miles of energy-sapping, trackless tussocks and bogs.
• The Elements: Dartmoor’s weather is notoriously fickle. You can start in glorious sunshine in the south and be navigating through thick clag and driving rain by the time you reach the high moor in the north.
• The Scenery: When the weather clears, the panoramic views across the desolate, rolling moorland are truly breathtaking, offering a profound sense of isolation and wilderness that is hard to find elsewhere in Southern England.

This is not a heavily waymarked route with flags every 100 metres. Runners are expected to navigate themselves using the provided GPX files and a map and compass. While there are some established paths, you will need to choose your own lines across sections of open moorland.

There is a unique, primal satisfaction in looking at a map of a massive National Park and knowing you crossed the entirety of it on foot in a single day. What truly sets this race apart, however, is its accessibility. Thanks to the very generous 4:00 pm cut-off time, the pressure of a ticking clock is vastly reduced. Whether you are an experienced ultra runner chasing a fast traverse or a first-timer planning to hike the hills and jog the flats, you are given the time and space to truly absorb the wilderness. It is the perfect blend of a fierce mountain challenge and an inclusive, supportive event. For the most up-to-date event details and registration information, please visit the official race website.