Devon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-running">RUNNING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/woman-runner.jpg" alt="woman runner " class="wp-image-38559" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/woman-runner.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/woman-runner-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/woman-runner-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/woman-runner-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2021/12/woman-runner-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-oh-my-obelisk-dawlish-13-mile-or-9-mile"><a href="https://www.dawlishcoasters.com/oh-my-obelisk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oh My Obelisk</a>, Dawlish, 13 mile or 9 mile</h2>



When: 10am, Sun 14 Jan



££: 13 mile, £22; 9 mile, £17



What to expect: Hills, mud, views&#8230; this is the hill that goes on giving &#8211; with a 9 or 13-mile route from Dawlish Leisure Centre to the observation point on Haldon. It&#8217;s a real killer but perfect for running off the Christmas excess.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-arlington-asteroids-barnstaple-5k-or-10k"><a href="https://findarace.com/events/dark-skies-series/17th-february-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Arlington Asteroids</a>, Barnstaple, 5k or 10k</h2>



When: Sat 17 Feb 



££: £20.38



What to expect: A night run: this 10K off-roader, set in the wonderful woods surrounding the Arlington Court&nbsp;National Trust Property is part of the Dark Skies Series, spanning Somerset to North Devon. Enter one or try them all!



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hamledown-hammer-and-hameldown-7even-half-marathon-10k"><a href="https://outeredge-events.com/hameldown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hamledown Hammer and Hameldown 7even</a>, Half marathon/10k</h2>



When: Sun 25 Feb, 9am/9.15am 



££: Half marathon £40; 10k £30



What to expect: Can you nail the Hammer, or will it have you hammered? This new route for 2024 is gruelling but comes with brilliant Dartmoor views. Starting and finishing in the iconic village of Widecombe-In-The-Moor, at the foot of the Hameldown Tor, it&#8217;s 98% trail, over grass, rocks, and muddy tracks, and through forestry glades. Beware &#8211; you have to ascend the 300m Hameldown Ridge twice. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hartland-hartbreaker-9-or-18-miles"><a href="https://www.onlineraceentry.co.uk/race/hartland-hartbreaker-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hartland Hartbreaker</a>, 9 or 18 miles</h2>



When: Sun 5 May, 11am



££: £25-£54 (half/full, with or without the t-shirt)



What to expect: Hills! An epic cross-country run at bluebell time, taking you from Hartland Abbey along on coast paths with stunning views through mud, river crossings some with ropes, and steep, vertiginous bits. Not called Hartbreaker for nothing and a good one to do for charity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-the-tide-mothecombe-29-15-5-8-5-miles"><a href="https://outeredge-events.com/race-the-tide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race the Tide</a>, Mothecombe, 29/15.5/8.5 miles</h2>



When: Sat 25 May, from 11.30am



££: £32-56



What to expect: A soaking! This choice of three coastal races combines beautiful woodland and estuarine trails for the first 7 miles before&nbsp;racing the tide&nbsp;at Wonwell Beach. It&#8217;s a super-scenic tour of the Flete Estate while the marathon takes you along Bigbury beach and across the causeway to Burgh Island. Who knows, it might inspire you to write a crime novel, like Agatha Christie who wrote two books while staying there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-west-run-exeter-half-marathon-10k"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Great West Run (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk" target="_blank">Great West Run</a>, Exeter, Half marathon/10k</h2>



When: Sun 26 May, 9am



££: £27-45



What to expect: Exeter&#8217;s big &#8216;un, with a closed-road route taking you right through Exeter city centre, starting and ending at Exeter Arena, and, if you do the half, taking you past the city train stations and along Cowley Road towards Crediton. The long hill back up towards the city feels pretty long but not too steep, and just remember to save some revs for that last lap round the stadium when you get back to the arena. They&#8217;ve now partnered with Trees Not Tees &#8211; instead of&nbsp;race&nbsp;T-Shirts&nbsp;they plant a tree for every race&nbsp;participant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-plymouth-half-marathon-plus-a-10k-and-5k"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Plymouth Half Marathon (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.runplymouth.co.uk" target="_blank">Plymouth Half Marathon</a>, plus a 10k and 5k</h2>



When: Sun 28 May 



££: £38-40



What to expect: This one takes you from the Hoe via the closed city centre through the Barbican, across Laira Bridge and practically to Saltram House, past thousands of cheering crowds and back again. A great excuse to dress up and raise money for your favourite charity. Everyone past the finishing line receives a medal, t-shirt and goody bag.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/buckland-brewer-10k-2024-tickets-646417099947" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buckland Brewer</a>, Bideford</h2>



When: Mon 27 May



££: 10k; £15-17



What to expect: A healthy Spring Bank Holiday race, all in aid of North Devon Hospice, this multi-terrain and hilly route takes in the lovely countryside near Bideford. It&#8217;s organised by Will Slocombe and Nicki Wolfe to raise vital funds for patients facing life-limiting illness in memory of Chris Laughton and so they ask that you raise lots of sponsorship.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-totnes-fun-run-10k-and-fun-run"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Totnes Fun Run (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk/our-races/totnes-10k" target="_blank">Totnes Fun Run</a>, 10k and Fun Run</h2>



When: Sun 4 Aug (provisional date)



££: TBC



What to expect: Mostly off road along the picturesque River Dart, with a Fun Run for the kids. One to book early as this Teinbridge Trotters race books up fast.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lundy-island-race-13-5-miles"><a aria-label="The Lundy Island Race (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.puretrail.uk/Lundy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Lundy Island Race</a>, 13.5 miles</h2>



When: 14 July 



££: £125 raceboar/£65 (non-raceboat)



What to expect: A unique Pure Trail race on Lundy Island with fourteen miles of pristine, wildlife encrusted tracks tended by the Landmark Trust open to run, walk (or crawl). It&#8217;s an early start and a long day, as a maximum of 250 runners take the MS Oldenburg&nbsp;from Ilfracombe to the island and back &#8211; and you have time to see the monuments, take a sea swim and grab a drink in the tavern. Alternatively, you have the option to buy a cheaper non-raceboat ticket and make your own way there.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dart-the-dart-totnes-steamer-quay-to-dartmouth-13-miles"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Dart the Dart (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.dartmouthfoodfestival.com/event/dart-the-dart/" target="_blank">Dart the Dart</a>, Totnes Steamer Quay to Dartmouth, 13 miles</h2>



When: TBC



££: TBC



What to expect: A fun-filled foodie run along the banks of the River Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth, less a race more of an amble with lots of delicious snacks along the way. A chance to dress up and scoff your way around some of the best bits of the South Hams. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parkrun-uk"><a href="https://www.parkrun.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkrun UK</a></h2>



When:&nbsp;various dates



££:&nbsp;FREE



What to expect:&nbsp;Parkrun organises totally free 5k timed runs in 740 locations (and counting) around the world open to all ages and abilities. All you need to do is search your hometown to find your nearest run, sling on your trainers and go! Parkrun also organises junior races.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tamar-10k"><a href="https://runplymouth.co.uk/acronyms-tamar-10k/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tamar 10K</a></h2>



When: TBC



££: TBC



What to expect: A 10k route that takes you across the Tamar Bridge, organised by Run Plymouth. Everyone across the finishing line gets a medal and a tee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-triathlons">TRIATHLONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/croyde-triathlon.jpg" alt="cyclist in Croyde Triathlon " class="wp-image-62366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/croyde-triathlon.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/croyde-triathlon-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/croyde-triathlon-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/croyde-triathlon-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/croyde-triathlon-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit Croyde Triathlon </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dartmouth-triathlon-blackpool-sands"><a href="https://findarace.com/events/dartmouth-triathlon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Dartmouth Triathlon (opens in a new tab)">Dartmouth Triathlon</a>, Blackpool Sands</h2>



When: Sun 9 June, 7am



££: £41.34 &#8211; £76.32



What to expect: Celebrating its 10th year, this triathlon is a truly spectacular location, with golden sands and a relatively flat route, if some tough climbs at the beginning and end. You&#8217;ll be cheered on with a spectator-friendly course where you can run two abreast with a mate. Plus, new junior Swim-Runs/Aquathlons and adult swims on Saturday afternoon.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-english-riviera-triathlon-paignton"><a href="https://findarace.com/events/english-riviera-triathlon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">English Riviera Triathlon</a>, Paignton </h2>



When: Sun 30 June



££: £44.52 &#8211; £83.74



What to expect: Setting off from the picturesque Goodrington Sands with a sea swim, closed road flat bike course and traffic free seaside run.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-croyde-ocean-triathlon-croyde"><a href="https://croydeocean.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Croyde Ocean Triathlon</a>, Croyde</h2>



When: Sun 14 July



££: £89- 126



What to expect: A choice of two Dryrobe sponsored races &#8211; Sprint Triathlon or the Olympic &#8211; here&#8217;s a chance to show the Putsborough beach crowd what you&#8217;re made of in a stunning North Devon coastal location.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dawlish-triathlon-dawlish-warren"><a href="https://sportivaevents.co.uk/events/dawlish-triathlon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dawlish Triathlon</a>, Dawlish Warren</h2>



When: Sun 22 Sept, 7.30am



££: £42-55



What to expect: You&#8217;re in the coastal location of Dawlish Warren for a choice of three races. Kicking off with a bracing 750m sea swim, then it’s onto the bikes for one to three laps (24k) of a relatively sheltered and flat bike circuit. Then a final 5k along the coast path with waves and seagulls for company.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WILD SWIMMING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/swoosh.jpg" alt="Swoosh in Bantham " class="wp-image-62362" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/swoosh.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/swoosh-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/swoosh-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/swoosh-768x513.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/01/swoosh-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Make it a family affair at Mini Swoosh in Bantham</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-roadford-lake-swim"><a href="https://findarace.com/events/roadford-lake-swim" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roadford Lake Swim</a></h2>



When: Sun 19 May



££: £30.74 &#8211; £58.30



What to expect: Not keen on sea swimming? Here&#8217;s a chance to swim at Roadford Lake, a fantastic venue where swimming is not normally permitted. Choose from four races, including the new for 2024 shorter 750m swim which is ideal for first-timers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.levelwater.org/bantham-swoosh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bantham Swoosh</a>, Aveton Gifford &#8211; Bantham</h2>



When: Sat 6 Jul



££: £60 (with £250 of sponsorship)



What to expect: A world class 6k swim in clear water with swimmers having a view of the sandy bed most of the way. Called a “swoosh” as the ebbing tide is funnelled through a narrow section of river, speeding you along over the riverbed at up to four times your usual swimming speed. Or try the sister race at sunset, the Bantham Boomerang, where you swim out with the tide until it turns (6-10k). For kids, there&#8217;s the Mini Swoosh in the morning. Organised by Level Water who raise money for swimming opportunities for children with disabilities.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.levelwater.org/dart10k" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dart 10k</a>, Totnes &#8211; Greenway</h2>



When: 7/8 September 



££: £120-£70



What to expect: a very beautiful stretch of the River Dart taking in unique landmarks, such as the Cormorant Tree, the white rock, Sharpham boathouse and Bow Creek. Open to all &#8211; if you can swim a mile under 40 minutes, there’s room for you in the river. Another great Level Water charity swim.



Want more, more, more? Check out these <a href="https://sportivaevents.co.uk/triathlon-events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">local triathlons</a> around the county.

Commit to fit! The best local races for 2024

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