Another fantastic short route hosted by Okehampton Running Club only 3.1 miles but 300m of ascent. Set in the picture postcard village of Belstone this is normally an afternoon event alongside the village fete. Parking available at cricket club just a short walk to Race HQ at the Tors Inn. Junior races take place before seniors and its normally £1 to enter on the day.
The route is unmarked but marshalled in a couple of spots. A very fast steep downhill start to narrow footbridge and then a sharp steep run up a path through gorse and soon onto the open moor. There is a trod to follow until you reach the edge of marsh basin. Do you skirt around or do you plough on through? is up to you. Tough long grass, hummocks and heather will impede your desire to run all the way to the top, helped by the occasion sheep trod, keep going up until you reach the summit cairns.
The very fast descent is hair raising-ly lumpy and if you can find a trod down even better. Soon you will be quickly back onto the gorse flanked path – choose between refreshing ford or the narrow footbridge. then a wicked little 150ft rise to the village green normally sorts a few placings.
Great atmosphere at the finiah and a chance to grab some village tea and cakes! whats not to like
Course Records – (M) Tim Lenton 28min 53 sec (F) Jo Meek 33min 55sec
Link to orgainser site
Any race part of Dartmoor Fell Series are the responsibility of each race organiser. the series is trying to support a league to generate interest and junior events to build the sport.
Series scoring will be best 7 events out of 10. So Seniors first Male/ Female 100 pts, second 99 etc, Senior age groups 30 pts for first place, 29 pts for second etc; Junior age groups scoring 10 pts for first, 9 for second etc in age categories. There is series team prize 4 male and 4 female runners. Note for veterans age-group on this event date – sets age group for the whole series ( to avoid swapping groups). The series will award 10yr vet age groups blocks eg Vet 40 ( is 40-49) etc
Series helpers – we always want willing helpers to register, marshal, support timekeeping , first aiders – if you can help let race organiser know. Its great fun and enjoyable, but remember to dress for the hills.