What do you buy for the runner in your life for Christmas? The latest in shoe technology? Some designer runner gear to impress fellow runners? Vouchers for deep-tissue sports massage? Or how about an entry in one of the UK’s most breathtaking marathons in Dartmoor National Park?

The winner of the Dartmoor Marathon on Sunday, 12th April 2026, had not intended to take part but was given his entry as a surprise Christmas present from his wife! Richard Gould (M50, Alchester RC) from Bicester, Oxfordshire, won the race in 2:56:11, from 330 finishers. After his unexpected victory, Richard said, "Up until Christmas Day, I did not know I was coming. That was a big surprise."
 
The Dartmoor Marathon returned after a break of more than 30 years on the tough 26.2-mile course from the picturesque Devon market town of Tavistock, with 2,643 feet of elevation gain. The winner added, "I was hoping for sub three hours. Those hills are challenging. That last few hills, 20 miles, oh yeah, that's really quite hard."

The route takes runners across Whitchurch Down, then mainly uphill to Princetown and the historic Dartmoor Prison. There is then some respite on a loop around Burrator Reservoir before the return leg to Tavistock, via Horrabridge.

Race organiser, Dave Chanter, said: "The competitors seemed to have enjoyed the course and enjoyed the day, although most runners are going to appreciate the beauty of Dartmoor National Park."

Only two men managed to beat three hours. The runner-up was Simon Middleton (2:58:59), and M45 Robert Kelly (3:00:23) was third. W40 Joanne Page, from Okehampton, took the women's race from Lila North (3:37:40) and Mia Flanagan (3:39:27).

The women's champion said she would be celebrating her achievement with an ice cream! "It was everything," Page said. "I love Dartmoor. You think you've done all of the hills, but then it's a bit undulating."

The Dartmoor Marathon was sponsored by Flapjackery, in a partnership described by the race organiser as a match made in marathon heaven! Flapjackery was born in Tavistock and is inspired by the rugged beauty of Dartmoor, with its flapjacks being the ultimate fuel for long-distance running.

For more information, visit the Dartmoor Marathon 2026 website here.

Full results are available via the runABC South race listing here.

Course photo courtesy of Dartmoor Marathon on Facebook