A fab race organised by Andy Houghton and Tavy runners offering just under 6 miles of fabulous hills on the evening of the Solstice. Set in the magnificent Merrivale valley. We normally host 3 races here but this year we are using other locations to spread across Dartmoor.
Parking is normally in one of local farmers field for a small donation to charity. Easy to find as its right next to Dartmoor Inn ( at Merrivale as there are several) .All races start a little walk up from the car park on the edge of the quarry. Normally juniors around 5:30 for U9/U11 combined and U13/U15 combined ( entry on day). Seniors start normally 6.45.
Route is very testing in the first mile with a very steep rise to Middle staple tor before the welcome turn right and the ease of gradient onto the ridge to Higher staple and roos tor. It follows a gently undulating path across the ridge until a sharp marshalled turn left towards a distance stone wall corner / ford and the persistent slope of White tor.
The descent from this is very very fast all the way down to a stream ford – take care though as front competitors have got carried away with racing and missed the route here! Across a field then the long gradual but breathlessly runnable ascent back up out of the valley to regain middle staple. Just a simple matter of a steep 1k descent to the finish.
Normally a great atmosphere with trestle tables and pub refreshments.
Course records
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.