Dartmoor Way Circular 100K is not exactly circular...or even 100K! The brilliant course resembles a map of the UK and measures 103.81 kilometres (64.5 miles) with 2,841 metres (9,321 feet) of elevation.

The stunning route takes in part of the ancient Dartmoor Way trail, which encircles Dartmoor National Park and includes the High Moorland Link path across the centre of the moorlands, effectively splitting Dartmoor National Park into two halves. 

The start and Race HQ are at Ivybridge Rugby Club, within easy reach of the Dartmoor Way trail which is followed in an anti-clockwise direction. There is a 15-hour cut-off with three checkpoints/feed stations positioned roughly 25K apart at New Bridge, Yelverton and Horrabridge. 

Conditions for the 6:00am start on Saturday 9 December 2023 were 'challenging' with steady rain, low clouds, high humidity and a steady breeze that added a chill factor to the otherwise ideal 12C temperature that had been forecast. 

Checkpoints were well stocked with supplies including hydration, energy powders, gels and bars from UCAN UK, plus a wide range of ultra-runner staples such as crisps, nuts, chocolate, fruit, cakes and biscuits.

After 15 hours only 15 competitors had managed to reach the sanctuary of Ivybridge Rugby Club before the 9:00pm cut-off time but the difficult conditions were taken into account and the organisers, Trail Events Company, kept the finish open until the final competitor arrived with a time of 16:02:55.

The top three home were Justin Montague (11:48:51), Dave Walker-Blair (11:59:49) and Jack Blanchard (13:13:52). The leading females were grouped close together and the finishing order was Rachel Piper (15:45:14), Elizabeth Phipps (15:45:23) and Gosia Lusiak (15:56:41).

All competitors must have the route downloaded on their phone or other GPX device and are tracked throughout the event. The organisers provide a tail runner/sweeper to ensure safety and there is a mandatory kit list that includes waterproof clothing, foil blanket, whistle, torch and emergency rations.

Dartmoor Way Circular 100K is one of a series of spectacular trail races managed by Trail Events Company – click here for details.

Results are available at runABC South race listing here.

Photo of event medal courtesy Trail Events Company on Facebook