Winding Paths added the hugely popular City to Sea event to its portfolio in 2023, bringing a Half Marathon option to the original full Marathon promoted by Torbay Holiday Helpers Network (THHN), the official charity for the event.

THHN provides free, fun-filled, memory-making holidays to families with seriously ill children; families who are recently bereaved, having lost a child or parent and families who have a terminally ill parent. Big-hearted business owners donate all the holidays and services to this brilliant charity.

The next Winding Paths City to Sea event is on Sunday 31 August 2025, and entries are now open. The event has been further expanded to include a 50K Ultra. The Marathon starts at Exeter Quayside and follows the Exe Estuary to Dawlish Warren, where the Half Marathon starts. Both routes follow the Sea Wall to Dawlish and South West Coast Path to Teignmouth, crossing Shaldon Bridge to Shaldon.

The first section is mainly flat tarmac, with some gravel paths. From Shaldon the route is on hilly trails to the finish on Babbacombe Downs. The new City to Sea 50K follows the same route as the Marathon but, just before mile 26, heads through Babbacombe to Wellswood and Ilsham Green before rejoining the South West Coast Path to Babbacombe Downs. All distances can be run or walked (or a bit of both)! 

There is a 9-hour Cut-Off for the Marathon (with 2,400 feet ascent) and the 50K (3,200 feet ascent) and a 6-hour Cut-Off for the Half Marathon (2,100 feet ascent). Entry fees are from £35 for the Half Marathon. There is an optional £8 coach transfer from Babbacombe Downs to your start line, plus the option to order the official Finishers T-shirt (£10) when you enter.

If we haven't convinced you yet, there will be a BIG bespoke City to Sea Medal and a warm pasty of choice (meat, vegetarian, and vegan choice) waiting for all finishers!

Previous results can be checked out at the runABC South race listing here.

Photos courtesy Winding Paths on Facebook