The Dartmoor Crossing / Great Escape

Dartmoor Crossing & The Great Escape: A Wilderness Adventure
Venture into the heart of Dartmoor for two compelling trail running events that promise an unforgettable experience. Whether you're stepping up from half-marathons to ultra distances or looking for a challenging long-distance run, these races have something special in store.
The Dartmoor Crossing
This 33.5-mile journey begins at the picturesque village of Belstone and concludes at Ivybridge Rugby Club, offering runners an immersive experience through some of Dartmoor's most stunning landscapes. The route features two of Dartmoor’s iconic summits, providing a mix of rolling moors, rugged terrain, and breathtaking vistas. With 1,119 meters of ascent and 1,516 meters of descent, the course is both demanding and rewarding.
The race is fully marked and marshalled to ensure safety throughout. Two full aid stations provide essential supplies, while two remote water stops cater to runners’ needs in more isolated sections. The event’s finish line at Ivybridge Rugby Club offers a welcoming atmosphere with post-race refreshments and the chance to celebrate your achievement.
Start time: 9am
Time limit: 9.5 hours
The Great Escape
For those seeking an exhilarating half-marathon experience, this 15.5-mile route from Princetown is designed for trail runners who thrive on open spaces and challenging terrain. This course covers the final stretch of THE CROSSING but offers its own unique set of challenges with steep ascents and descents through Erme Valley canyons and along Abbots Way.
The race includes two water stops strategically placed to ensure hydration needs are met despite the remote nature of the route. The enduring sense of freedom that comes from running in such vast, open moorlands is a highlight for many participants.
Start time: 11:30am
Time limit: 4.5 hours
Event Centre and Logistics
Both events share a central location at Ivybridge Rugby Club, Cross-In-Hand, Filham, Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0LR, providing a hub for race day activities including registration, post-race celebrations, and overnight camping options.
Camping is available on-site for Friday and Saturday night for £20 per pitch or camper van/mobile home. The event offers the option to purchase XCover insurance, allowing participants to receive refunds if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from attending.
Registration takes place at Ivybridge Rugby Club with designated times before each race start: 6:15 - 6:55am for THE CROSSING and 8:30 - 9:30am for THE GREAT ESCAPE. Kit checks are also available, ensuring all runners have the necessary gear to tackle Dartmoor’s varied terrain.
Join us in Dartmoor this year as we explore some of England's most beautiful yet challenging landscapes through these two captivating trail running events.