Your guide to some of the top running events for the 2026 calendar in Devon

The weather is beyond rotten and most of us are tucked up indoors, but the runners of Devon will be twitching their feet for the 2026 season.

As such, we are taking a look at some of the best running events, half marathons, trail races and ultra challenges in North Devon & Dartmoor for 2026 — perfect whether you’re aiming for a road PB, scenic trail challenge, or long-distance adventure.

Bideford Half Marathon – March 8

Bideford, North Devon
Distance: 13.1 miles (road)
A fast, popular half marathon through the Torridge Valley, starting and finishing near the Bideford AAC clubhouse. Run partly along the scenic Tarka Trail with miles alongside the River Torridge, it suits both beginners and experienced road runners. Medals, T-shirts, prizes for age categories and excellent support on course.

North Devon AONB Half Marathon – June 28

Woolacombe / North Devon AONB
Distance: ~21 km (mixed road/trail)
A tougher half marathon that crosses parts of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling hills and rural terrain. Not a PB course but brilliant for scenery and challenge.

RUN Barnstaple Half Marathon – September 27

Rock Park, Barnstaple, North Devon
Distance: Half Marathon (plus 10K & Marathon options)
A flat, PB-friendly route predominantly on the Tarka Trail through Barnstaple and Fremington Quay — great for autumn goals while raising funds for Children’s Hospice South West.

Dartmoor Running Highlights – Trails, Ultras & Big Challenges

(While not all are traditional half marathons, these are major running events across Dartmoor in 2026.)

The Dartmoor Marathon – April 12

Tavistock & across Dartmoor
Distance: Marathon (26.2 miles)
A wonderful road event that starts and finishes in historic Tavistock and takes runners through classic Dartmoor landscapes including Princetown and around Burrator Reservoir. Expect scenic views and rolling hills.

The Dartmoor Crossing & Great Escape – August 1

Dartmoor (Ivybridge & Princetown)
Distances: Ultra 55 km (34 miles) & Great Escape 25 km (~15.5 miles – long half marathon)
This is a standout multi-distance event. The Great Escape option starts in Princetown and covers about 25 km (~15.5 miles) through rugged moorland, finishing at Ivybridge Rugby Club — perfect as an adventurous half-plus challenge with big scenery.

Dartmoor in a Day Ultra – September 5

Ivybridge & Okehampton
Distances: 50 km (~31 miles), 30 km (~18.6 miles)
This cross-Dartmoor route offers both ultra and shorter challenge options suitable for experienced trail runners. The 30 km is a great stepping stone between half and longer ultras, weaving through wild moorland with checkpoints and GPS support.

Dartmoor Discovery Ultra Marathon – June 6

Princetown
Distance: ~32 miles (Road Ultra)
A classic Devon ultra with challenging hills and spectacular Dartmoor terrain. A true test for endurance athletes, this race has a strong reputation in the running calendar and includes drink stations and a lively post-race atmosphere.

Dartmoor Winter Traverse – February 21

Meldon / Princetown
Distances: 50 km (~31 mi), 30 km (~18 mi)
A fully supported winter challenge across moorland with open terrain and dramatic conditions. Both distances are demanding but rewarding for strong trail runners and navigation enthusiasts.

Dartmoor Full Circle 100 & Granite 50 – October 3

Scorriton & Dartmoor Trails
Distances: ~100 miles & ~50 miles
For ultra-trail endurance runners, these events circumnavigate Dartmoor on varied trails with checkpoints and support — the Granite 50 offers a tough 50-mile challenge.