South West Fell Runners

Meldon Skyline - Series Race and Devon AA Champs -
2023-03-25 08:30 - 11:30 UTC | Meldon Dam, Meldon Dam, Okehampton, Devon, ex20 4lu, United Kingdom
SwFellrunners says..
Race is now open for entries
Yes this is early but we are hoping for some great qualification results for Devon AA team, and the biggest hill climb in the series. Is a first time for the course but from the recce runs its got a bit of everything, including the highest tops on Dartmoor, a couple of nice descents but of course a couple of nice climbs to earn them. Devon AA team did outstanding last year so we hope this distance will be close to National course and height gain. We hope to have North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team supporting the event. Enjoy!
Route
Please use lower sections of car park registration will be at the bottom. Seniors Route is Meldon dam start, to yes tor ( marshal) to Fordinsland ledge ( checkpoint) to Homerton Hill ( checkpoint) and advisory crossing over weir, then up to Sourton tor ( checkpoint) and track back via gate to Meldon car park. See ‘Inside line’ below if you want more details
Juniors will start early at 8:40 to finish by 9am . seniors will start at 9:15am. Note there will be a U9/U11/U13 race. U15 and U17 will start with adults – but do a seperate course
Race website is now open – u9/u11/u13 juniors will run before seniors . This is rated as a A class medium course and basic kit ( hat, gloves, waterproofs, map, compass, whistle) will need to be taken- please come with kit – no kit no run.
the ‘inside line’ . . .
So have been asked what’s the ‘nav’ like and can i take a direct line here? So here is my view of how i would run it… but it is a fell race so your own choice. ( PS no substitute to a good look at the map and take a compass). First i would warm up or the first hill will hit you like a punch in the guts. From start as soon as fence ends come off main track and take trod, and then cut across to to track higher up. Now i would contour around to left, but some racing snakes might choose to go straight up over ( not sure its any quicker).
Following track until levels out (‘ish) there is a logical place to cut left and head up to Yes , it looks a long way but you will get there. The ‘mountain hares’ might want a direct line over boulders but most might stay a bit right and cut left near top. In poor vis i would use a compass as mostly straight line. You now are on top of Devon! Hopefully met by a beaming team of NDSART. Head south and skip past High Willhay’s on worn track , you can follow this around all the way to Fordinsland ledge. Oh another NDSART team should be here. Of course you can cut corner but ground is hard work.
From here your heading down a mucky peaty track towards Black tor- keep it to your left, you are headed out onto Homerton hill ridge, i actually kept close to two very big boulders on valley edge ( i was about 50yds to right of them ) to eventually follow a sheep trod which takes a line to the right. Take care there is some tufty terrain here for 200yds. You will eventually come out on broad open ridge with grassy patches and a nice Red pup tent with a Marshal. In think mist something like 320 mag gets you there but harder in a straight line.
Now take a rough 260 Mag line towards valley will get you to a nice decent path down to the weir , should be a nice marshal wishing you on here. Cross and then the steepest part of the course! I would make up the ridge on path which eases off fairly quickly , now West up a nice open bowl valley takes you up to Sourton tor- nearest big block will have another Marshal. Then a fast super decent back down the ridge in NE direction to make gate at footpath signpost. Again 2 more marshals here and more fast decent – please stick to path – there may be livestock about. as soon as you cross end gate turn left into finish funnel – you’ve done it!
I hope that helps – enjoy – but do check out your map and choose your own line.
Oh watch out for a bit of gamesmanship some runners if they think they are being tailgated- might take a harder line? !

A Talk By Dave Chanter - Achieving Excellence Through Lydiard Principles
2023-02-22 19:30 - 21:30 | Peter Tavy, Village Hall, Peter Tavy, Devon, PL19 9NS, United Kingdom

Black mountains Fell race - Mynndd Du
2022-09-17 12:00 - 17:00 | Devon
No this is not a SW event but i know many of the regions runner venture that far and with great success. Just over the border with start just above Crick Howell- Llanbedr village.
a proper big mountain fell race with times varying from 2.5 hours to 6hours. 17 tough miles , big inclines and 1600m of ascent. A classic race – no frills.

Sourton tor race- Dartmoor Fell series
2022-09-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Bearslake INN, Ex20 4HQ
SWFellrunners says…
A stunning short but challenging route to finish the series hosted by Okehampton Running club. The race does have parking next to farmers field next to Bearslake Inn,( between Sourton and Lydford).
There is normally junior races held just before seniors. Senior race usually around 7pm. It is only 2.6 miles but has a 1000ft of climb in first 1.2 miles. The route follows a wide track which is fast and level to start but quickly gets steep as it breaks out onto open moor. a sharp rise leads to a left turn into bracken to follow a stream which is crossed to a very steep slope which keeps going for about 200ft you are now on the long convex approach to the top of the tor, keep going until you get to the marshal . Then a sharp right turn takes you to a little dip and a nice trod right before a very steep descent back to the gate you cam out on the moor. Super fast track back to the pub.
Course records – Male: T. Perry 18:47 (2021) Female: J. Meek :21:52 (2021)
Latest info form Race organiser – entries open – limited to 50!
https://www.entrycentral.com/SourtonTors Wednesday September 7th – 18:00 Junior start 19:00 Senior start

The Race
A traditional fell run of approx 2.6 miles ascending 300m to Sourton Tors and looping back round the valley. There is a compulsory checkpoint near the trig point at Sourton Tors and a further marshal will be positioned before the descent.
The route is entirely off-road with most on the open moorland of Dartmoor. Whilst providing a challenge is within the capabilities of most runners. After the race enjoy a drink and a meal in the Bearslake Inn (you may want to book).
Registration
Race Headquarters is at the Bearslake Inn car park at Lake, on the A386 between Sourton (near Okehampton) & Tavistock. The start & finish is next to Race HQ. Parking will likely be available in the farmers field next door to the pub – we will have a marshal telling you where to park. Prizes for the first male and female and age categories will be awarded. There are no mementoes – reflected in the low entry fee.
Held under the rules of the Fell Runners Association, race classification AS.
In keeping with the traditions and skills required of British fell racing, self-navigation is required by all runners – there are NO course markers. Getting a little lost is part of every fell runner’s journey, so don’t worry! Go and check out the route before race day if you can – the route will be on the ORC website .
The race is licensed by the Fell Runners Association. Whilst there is no mandatory kit requirement if the weather is looking bad then a whistle, raincoat and hat is advisable. The race is self navigating so you may also want to carry a map and compass if not familiar with the course.
Juniors can race too. Minimum age of 8. Juniors over 13 can race in the senior race at 7pm as the FRA permits those over 13 to race this distance. All ages under 13 will race at 6pm – distances of either 2km (under 11) or 3km (under 13). Entry on the day at £1 for all juniors – even if they are running in the senior event.

Peter Tavy Plod
2022-08-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Peter Tavy, Village Hall, Peter Tavy, Devon, PL19 9NS, United Kingdom
The 19th Annual Peter Tavy Plod & Fun Run 2022 takes place on Monday August 29th at 13:00 (fun run 12:45)
This 5 mile run starts from the Peter Tavy Cross and returns via a loop on moorland tracks and trails.
Entry is £8.
The Fun Run is a 1 mile multi terrain loop costing £3 to enter.
All profits to Charity.
Registration/number collection is from 11:30 at Race HQ near the Village Church.
There will be a commemorative medal to all finishers.
Parking will be limited so car share if possible please.
Enjoy the run and then visit the Village Fayre for a good old fashioned day out with refreshments.
Alternatively, enjoy a meal at The Peter Tavy Inn – bookings advisable on 01822 810348.
See you there.
For any queries contact David Chanter on davechants@me.com or 07815 318145.
Enter here

Sticklepath horseshoe
2022-08-06 11:00 - 14:30 | Devon
One of the best runs on Dartmoor ‘hands down’! well hopefully you migth be able to get to this charming event set in the car park to Fingle’s Forge in Sticklepath.
A great route covering 9 miles. not been held since 2018 due to weather and Covid.
amazing course
Men: J.Parkinson (2016) – 1:08:49
Women: J.Harvey (2009) – 1:29:23

Provisional Exmoor day out- run and social
2022-07-24 14:00 - 19:00 | Devon
Again a provisional date to for taster route on exmoor and a pub debrief

Two Hills Race - Chagford
2022-06-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Devon
A brilliant village event that has a marvellous show-field start and finish, and 2 great hills to run up – a very tough 4.5k! Highly recommended.

Meldon Fell Race - Dartmoor Fell Series
2022-05-14 13:00 - 15:00 | Meldon Dam, Meldon Dam, Okehampton, Devon, ex20 4lu, United Kingdom
Ready for the off
Adam Tango Holland – 2021s winner

Marliyn’s Meldon Madness is a brilliant race organised by Okehampton Running Club and is the first race of the series. A great short course taking in Dartmoor’s two highest peaks. Access is good with reasonable parking and toilet block. Junior races for U9/U11, U13 and U15 other age groups run with the seniors. It is normally a mid-afternoon start, the course starts steep on track and soon enters broken ground where you need to find the best way to the top of Yes Tor. It is quite a lumpy descent from High Willhays which can be moist in places. The track from below Black Tor is very fast and you will be back in no time! Note for veteran age groups – this event sets your age group for the whole series (to avoid swapping groups).
Entries
this is latest info from organiser- Marilyn Meldon Madness in memory of Marilyn Cooper- entries are open https://www.entrycentral.com/MarilynMeldonMadnes – Saturday May 14th – 13:00 Junior 14:00 Senior.

The race
This race will take you to the highest point in the south of England. The 1,362ft ascent is tough enough to challenge any off-road runner but, at just five miles, it offers a rare opportunity for anyone to try their first fell race. The route is beautiful with stunning views over the county from Yes Tor and High Willhays (the highest point) before a welcome descent to Black Tor and down Homerton Hill to the finish at Meldon reservoir.
There are a number of compulsory checkpoints at which all runners MUST give their number to the stewards. Due to difficulty of marking the course accurately, self-navigation is required by all runners.
The race is licensed by the Fell Runners Association. Whilst there is no mandatory kit requirement if the weather is looking bad then a whistle, raincoat and hat is advisable. The race is self navigating so you may also want to carry a map and compass if not familiar with the course.
Registration
Race Headquarters is at Meldon dam pay and display car park (nr Okehampton grid ref: SX 561 917). The start and finish is a short walk to the other side of the dam.
Junior races too – entry on the day at £1
The event is supported by North Dartmoor Search and Rescue who will be present to assist injured runners if required. Please consider donating to their vital work.
For confirmed details, timing, entry and price go to race organiser’s website

Introduction to navigational skills for runners
2022-05-08 09:30 - 16:30 | Princetown Car Park, Princetown, PL20 6QF
A Run Venture course.
This one day course covers the basics, with topics such as understanding different types and scales of map, interpreting map features, taking and following compass bearings, understanding contour lines, grid references and route choice, all while on the move!
Booking online essential.

Intercounty Trials at Peter Tavy
2022-04-03 15:00 - 17:30 | Peter Tavy, Village Hall, Peter Tavy, Devon, PL19 9NS, United Kingdom
Calling all Devon’s amazing hill runners!
A great opportunity to preview a new fell course ahead of the Dartmoor Fell Series, but also a chance to be selected to represent Devon AA at the National Inter-counties Fell Race Championships.
This is an open event with a maximum of 50 runners but aimed at Devon EA registered runners who are able to compete on May 7th (LLanberis- seniors) or May 15th (Yorkshire-juniors).
Pre-entry is now available (as there have been so many messages of interest) – £3.50 plus 50p booking (discounted for FRA members). Link below.
https://www.entrycentral.com/langstonetrial
Senior entry £5 on the day – at Peter Tavy Village Hall ( £1 reduction for FRA members) and juniors U13/U15 and U17 £1 on the day . Please register early – it’s a great course.
Note junior selection will only be for U15/U17/U19 to compete on May 15th.
Senior selection must be minimum of 19 yrs on 31st Dec 2022 for competition on May 7th.
https://britishintercountiesfellrunningchampionships.wordpress.com/
The course for seniors will be just under 10k with 387m of ascent and amazing views. Juniors start at 4pm, seniors start at 4:45pm. It would be great to show them ‘up north’ what amazing hill running talent there is in the South West. We are looking for seniors to fill both male and ladies teams of 4-5 people.
Remember it is a fell run and some kit may be required, subject to conditions. (rain gear, hat, gloves, whistle, hat, compass and map – a map of the course will be provided)
Volunteer helpers/marshals are very welcome. We are also looking for a club rep. to support the junior team. Please direct message me if you can help.
Thank you
Richard Best
Devon AA – Fell Running Coordinator
