Dartmoor Marathon returns to Tavistock after 40 years this weekend

The Dartmoor Marathon is set to return this weekend for the first time in 40 years, with hundreds of runners preparing to take on the 26.08-mile route across Devon.

The event, which is described as ‘a road race like no other, will take place on Sunday 12 April, starting and finishing in Tavistock.

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Event organiser and local running coach Dave Chanter told The Moorlander the race has already attracted strong interest and is shaping up to be a major occasion for the area.

“Everything is full on right now for the race with entries still coming in and expected to reach 650 participants,” he said.

“With entrants from across the UK as well as Europe and Canada, Tavistock is gearing up for what promises to be a great day.”

The marathon route will take runners through parts of Dartmoor National Park, including Merrivale, Princetown, Dousland, Walkhampton, Horrabridge and Whitchurch before returning to Tavistock.

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The course also passes Dartmoor Prison and includes stretches around Burrator Reservoir, with runners facing a mix of steady roads and challenging hills.

Around 500 runners had already signed up with weeks to go, and more entries have continued to come in ahead of race day. 

More than 80 local participants are expected to take part in Sunday’s event.

The race will be led out by Southwest Blood Bikes, with support from a range of local organisations and businesses.

Spectators are expected to gather in Tavistock, where the finish line will be outside the town’s Guildhall. 

Organisers hope the community will turn out to support runners as they complete the course.

While waiting for competitors to return, visitors will be able to watch live music, visit stalls and attend a barbeque run by the Tavistock Lions.

Mr Chanter has thanked volunteers, local businesses and groups supporting the event.

“It’s been a great task and I am indebted to the volunteers without whom this could not happen,” he said.

He added: “Let’s hope for a great event showing Dartmoor in all its beauty.”

According to the Dartmoor Marathon website, applications for the ‘Drake Community Mile’, ‘Standard Entry’ and ‘Elite Entry’ have now closed.

However organisers are still looking for volunteers to help on the day, including marshals and water station staff, with applications open until Saturday afternoon.