THE BLACKDOWN BEAST 2023
Race Hq is Skydive Centre on Dunkeswell Airfield (EX14 4LG, W3W:verbs.marbles.incorrect)
Some photos and comments below
Some photos and comments below
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The Blackdown Beast is a very social, self-navigated run. Runners follow a picturesque cross country route of 7.6 miles on seldom used footpaths to Smeatharpe. Here they enjoy a pasty and mulled wine at Smeatharpe Village Hall as a reward for their hard work. The next leg of the run is 2.8 miles on lanes and country paths which drops down to the village of Upottery and the Sidmouth Arms which will provide more sustenance to the runners. The 10 mile option finishes here. Minibus transport will be provided to take the 10 milers back to Dunkeswell, BUT please select the 10 mile option on the entry from. The 16 milers then take the road to Rawridge. Here they will turn on to the country, cross the river Otter and climb to the top of the ridge to the viewpoint above Luppitt for a spectacular panorama of the surrounding countryside before running the remainder of the 3.3 miles to the Luppitt Inn for another refreshment stop where you need cash. The last 2.7 mile leg of the day takes you across country over Luppitt Common back to Dunkeswell Airport for a well earned drink and food at the Aviation Cafe. Cash and card payments are accepted. Sorry but to keep the farmers happy no dogs are allowed on the route.
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Notes on navigating route to print out here
Raising money
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Map of full route. 10 Mile option stops at Upottery.
Elevation profile of 16 mile route
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Photos of 2023 Beast
Honiton Running Club at start
Sidmouth Running Club at start
 Sidmouth Running Club at 10 miles
Comments on 2023 Beast Rob Twinem I am a long established runner recently retired to Hemyock from Bristol where I was a member of a running club for many years. The run yesterday was very similar to the Riverbank Rollick organised by Thornbury running club and included running through a river. The beast course was technically challenging yet beautiful in all the Devon countryside ….quite simply it made me feel so alive. Many thanks for the hard work. Emilie Brock Thank you for an ace run. Anne Kelly I really enjoyed the Blackdown Beast yesterday. Great route, views and loved the different terrains. Instructions were first class, pasties amazing and the volunteers were super nice, funny and always helpful. Great no pressure social run. Things I liked best (pasty aside) - no pins for numbers. Things I liked least - lots of hills. Could you flatten Devon a little for next time :-) Beccy Johnson I thoroughly enjoyed this scenic and challenging run. Really well organised with excellent instructions and communication. The mud added an additional challenge and extra fun! Would definitely do it again. Thank you. Beccy (Sidmouth Running Club) Alexa Baker A really enjoyable run. The stiles, gateways and mud naturally slow you down so you have time to enjoy the countryside and company of fellow runners. The pasty and cider was a real treat, especially as they could be foiled wrapped to eat later on. Thank you HRC for a well organised, friendly event. Lisa Hatchard The Blackdown Beast is an annual fixture in the calendar and marks the new year of running. I love that I can catch up with friends old and new and spend 17 miles chatting. It's unbelievably friendly and all for a great charity. Ian Stewart-Pearson I just wanted to thank you and your team of helpers for an enjoyable and well organised run. The weather was kind and certainly made it easier. The Pasty and Mulled Cider were a welcome bonus at 7 miles and helped recharge the batteries! I’ll definitely be looking out for the Beauty run in July. Sally and Ree Thanks to the Beasty team for another great BB. After the rain, floods then ice it was a welcome relief to have near perfect running conditions. And the pasty and mulled cider was exceptional. |
Blackdown Beast mud
Pasty at Smeatharpe
Looking relaxed at the Upottery pub!
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