THE BLACKDOWN BEAST 2022 - 29th January
New start/finish location at Dunkeswell Airport
This year due to Covid safety we are only able to offer doughnuts and tea at Smeatharpe
Entries now full. Waiting list here on-line
If we have to cancel due to Covid or Weather you will be offered a refund, donate to charity or roll over
Raising money
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The route map, instructions and gpx file can be downloaded here:
Map of route Written instructions gpx file of route after download remove the .xml file extension Map of race HQ & start location 
Elevation profile of 16 mile route
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Beast Facebook Page
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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 doughnut (gluten free options) and a cup of tea 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. 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.
Comments on 2020 Beast
Zoe Grimes Thanks so much Rodger, it was a great event again.\
Sue Rook Another fabulous day. Love the Blackdown beast. Thank you Honiton running club. My favourite start to a new running year. The fog didn't dampen the spirits x
Clare Medlock Once again, thank you Roger for a great day. Well organised and always a great atmosphere. The white drawing pin obsession continues...
Monica Read Thanks Roger. Another wonderful Beast. We imagined the views and enjoyed the atmosphere. Thanks again for organising my favourite event of the year
Eleanor Wood Hi Roger, what a wonderful day Haydn and I had running along side with Judy. The Beast is exactly what a lot of runners enjoy, a hard muddy slog and an unpressured run. The pasty stop was so much fun, with lovely people cheering us along. Please pass our thanks onto all the back stage people, events like this always means a lot of hard work.Thank you so much, I spent the rest of the day smiling.
Sally Tuer I’m depleted of all energy after that tough run, but the pasties and mulled cider more than compensated for mud, cold and cloud. I’ll be back next year!
Zoe Grimes Thanks so much Rodger, it was a great event again.\
Sue Rook Another fabulous day. Love the Blackdown beast. Thank you Honiton running club. My favourite start to a new running year. The fog didn't dampen the spirits x
Clare Medlock Once again, thank you Roger for a great day. Well organised and always a great atmosphere. The white drawing pin obsession continues...
Monica Read Thanks Roger. Another wonderful Beast. We imagined the views and enjoyed the atmosphere. Thanks again for organising my favourite event of the year
Eleanor Wood Hi Roger, what a wonderful day Haydn and I had running along side with Judy. The Beast is exactly what a lot of runners enjoy, a hard muddy slog and an unpressured run. The pasty stop was so much fun, with lovely people cheering us along. Please pass our thanks onto all the back stage people, events like this always means a lot of hard work.Thank you so much, I spent the rest of the day smiling.
Sally Tuer I’m depleted of all energy after that tough run, but the pasties and mulled cider more than compensated for mud, cold and cloud. I’ll be back next year!