Ruby Red Running brought back the ever popular Dalwood 3 Hills challenge featuring a 10 mile multi-terrain run around the beautiful countryside of Dalwood.
There was mud, river crossings and hills.... most of all we had a great time! Book early for 2025 as this is always a sell out event.
There are lots of images here, so please be patient, it may take a little while to load
Returning again in 2025, the ever popular Dalwood 3 Hills challenge features a 10 mile and 5km multi-terrain run around the beautiful countryside of Dalwood.
16th February 2025
Expect mud, expect river crossings and expect hills.... most of all expect to have a great time! Book early, this is always a sell out event.
New for 2025 - the Dalwood Doddle - 3km fun run!
Entries close 9th February 2025
The ever popular Dalwood 3 Hills now comprises 3 distances to chose from!
Dalwood 3 Hills
10 miles of grueling hills
Dalwood Dash
5km of mud and hills
Dalwood Doddle
3km of family fun - suitable for everyone!
The Dalwood 3 Hills is the ideal training event to get you ready for the Grizzly 2025!
Dalwood Village Hall, Dalwood, Axminster EX13 7EG (Opposite the Tuckers Arms)
Sunday, 16th February 2025
Start times from 10am
10 Miles: 10:00 am - affiliated entry £15, non affiliated £17 - 17 or over on the day
Dalwood Dash 5k : 10:05 am - affiliated entry £5, non affiliated £7 - 12 or over on the day
Dalwood Doddle 3k 10.10am - affiliated £3, non affiliated £5 - any age
The Dalwood 3 Hills is a physical course open to anyone 17 or over. It is hilly, muddy and the weather on the day can have a huge impact. It really is a course to get your teeth in to!
The Dalwood Dash is 5km and we still promise hills and probably a lot of mud - a full bodied mini version of the 10 mile route. Minimum age 12 on the day.
The Dalwood Doddle is 3km, mostly through open fields and a beautiful trail section. It is suitable for any age. There'll still be mud, but we promise you won't notice the hills!
To ensure the well being of all participants we follow the age/distance guidance of England Athletics and the Trail Running Association.
Dalwood 3 Hills 10 Miles: 10:00 am - 17 or over on the day
Dalwood Dash 5k : 10:05 am - 12 or over on the day
Dalwood Doddle 3k 10.10am - any age
Dalwood 3 Hills 10 Miles: - affiliated entry £15, non affiliated £17
Dalwood Dash 5k: - affiliated entry £5, non affiliated £7
Dalwood Doddle: 3k - affiliated £3, non affiliated £5
'The course was a real challenge, the weather in the build up certainly attributed to the tricky conditions. The event was well organised and marshalled. My first trail run and I’ll definitely be doing more.'
'Tough slippy conditions but a beautiful route. Very well organised, amazing Marshall’s & volunteers. I really enjoyed this event and would definitely do it again.'
'Great run. Everyone friendly and most importantly lovely cakes 🎂 which as we know that is why we run!!!!'
'Great run and really well organised and marshalled… everyone was super friendly and encouraging… last minute route changes due to flooding were flawless and fantastic cake at the end ! Oh - and hills, and mud and water !!!'
Sunday 16th February 2025
08:30 Parking opens
08:45 Registration opens to pick up bibs (entry on the day subject to availability)
10:00 Dalwood 3 Hills start
10:05 Dalwood Dash (5km) start
10:10 Dalwood Doddlle (3km) start
Followed by tea, cake and prizes!
Event HQ: Dalwood Village Hall, Dalwood, Axminster EX13 7EG, UK (Opposite the Tuckers Arms)
By Car - The Event HQ is located just off the A35, less than 5 miles from Axminster and 6 miles from Honiton and the A30.
By Train - Axminster and Honiton are on the Exeter to London mainline.
Parking - Due to the rural nature of the event and winter weather conditions, parking will be on hardstanding as much as possible and may involve a walk to the HQ. More details will be posted here. Please car share where possible.
Dalwood village hall offers toilets and a bag drop.
Refreshments will be on sale during and after the races.
There is no mandatory kit for any of the courses however:
* Trail shoes are highly recommended - the course will be muddy and slippery in places.
* Please consider the weather when deciding on clothing - it could be wet, cold, windy or all three!
* There will be a water station on the 10 mile course, but not on the 5km or 3km courses.
There will be a water station on the 10 mile course but not on the 5km or 3km courses.
There are no maximum time limits for any of the courses.
Spectators are more than welcome to come and cheer you on. The 10 mile course passes through the centre of Dalwood a few miles in or friends and family can cheer you on anywhere along the course.
The event is licenced by the Trail Running Association under licence number 6857.
The event will be held under UK Athletics rules.
29th March 2025
Ruby Red Running in association with Axe Valley Academy is proud to bring you the return of the Minster Challenge! Come and join us on a route that has slumbered since 2019 - 2 main distances to choose from plus a kids fun run and a warm welcome await you. Medals for all finishers and prizes for winners. Amazing homemade refreshments will be on offer thanks to the Axe Valley Academy pupils, parents and teachers.
Entries close 22nd March 2025
Returning to Axminster on 29th March 2025 for the first time since 2019, Ruby Red Running is proud to partner with Axe Valley Academy to bring you the Minster Challenge. Like all of our events, we can promise hills, mud and fun!
3 courses to choose from
* 12km
* 5km
* Fun Run
Medals for all finishers and refreshments will be available for runners and spectators.
Axe Valley Academy
Chard Street, Axminster EX13 5EA
There will be limited parking available at the school, but there are plenty of parking options in the town. Please car share where possible.
Saturday 29th March 2025
Start times from 10am
12k 10.00am - Must be 17 or over on the day
5km 10.05am - Must be 12 or over on the day
Fun Run 10.30 - any age and can be accompanied by an adult
The Minster Challenge 12k is a physical course open to anyone 17 or over. It is hilly, muddy and the weather on the day can have a huge impact. It really is a course to get your teeth in to!
The Minster Challenge 5km will promise hills and probably a lot of mud - a full bodied mini version of the 12km route. Minimum age 12 on the day.
The Minster Challenge Fun Run will take place on the school playing fields and is suitable for any age.
To ensure the well being of all participants we follow the age/distance guidance of England Athletics and the Trail Running Association.
Minster 12k - 17 or over on the day
Minster 5k - 12 or over on the day
Minster Fun Run - any age
Minster 12k: affiliated entry £12, non affiliated £14
Minster 5k: affiliated entry £5, non affiliated £7
Minster Fun Run: - affiliated £1, non affiliated £3
There is limited parking on site, accessed via the Lyme Road entrance. This will be on a first come, first served basis and a donation may be requested by the owners. There will also be members of the public using the parking facilities. There are multiple public car parks in Axminster.
Axe Valley Academy will be providing hot drinks and cakes for sale for runners and spectators - please support them.
LED Leisure have kindly offered the use of their showers and changing rooms for a donation to Hospice Care. These will be available until 1pm. LED Leisure have also donated the use of an area of their sports hall for a bag drop.
The event is licenced by the Trail Running Association under licence number 6870.
The event will be held under UK Athletics rules.
TRAIL RUNNING FESTIVAL IN EAST DEVON May 3rd 2025
5 Events, 3 National Landscapes, 1 World Heritage Site, 1 weekend of ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats! Friday night 'my running stories' and feast 7pm 2nd May 2025, Saturday race day 3rd May 2025, Sunday Big Breakfast and East Devon mini Round 4th May 2025
All events run under UK athletics rules
Entries close 28th April
East Devon Round - 65 miles, 10,815 feet of elevation (3,296 metres), 9 Aid stations, 2 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 1 World Heritage Site, Geo Track tracking, UTMB Index Race - 5:30am start May 3rd 2025
East Devon Half Round 35 miles, 5,968 feet of elevation (1,819 metres), 5 Aid Stations, 2 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 1 World Heritage Site, Geo Track tracking - 5:30 am start May 3rd 2025
Bus provided from Blackbury Camp back to Race HQ
The Other Half 31 miles, 4,598 feet of elevation (1,401metres), 5 Aid Stations, Geo Track tracking (Invitation only - previous competitors of an East Devon Round event) - 13:00pm start from Blackbury Camp, May 3rd 2025
Bus provided from Race HQ
EDR QTR - 15 miles, 2018 feet of elevation (615 metres), 2 Aid Stations - 9am start , May 3rd 2025. Bus from Race HQ to start at Blackbury Camp
East Devon Mini Round and Big Breakfast- 9am, May 4th 2025 (enter on day - donation to charity)
Dont let the bluebells and spring flowers lull you into thinking the East Devon Round will be a walk in the park.
The full East Devon Round is a serious challenge for even the best Ultra Runners, whilst we do not set minimum entry standards it is expected that entrants on the full round will already have completed trail events that are over 50km and are comfortable with self navigation.
The Half Round is still an Ultra Marathon with good level of climb, with plenty of aid stations, beautiful scenery and well marked routes this is an ideal route for those new to ultra distances, still with enough bite though to challenge more experienced runners looking to 'race' the distance.
The quarter round was introduced as a stepping stone for those looking to get in to Ultra running. For those who have run the AVR Grizzly in March or have run other 10km+ trail runs, this is the 'perfect' next step up in your trail running journey.
To ensure the well being of all participants we follow the age/distance guidance of England Athletics and the Trail Runners Association.
Age under 12 years --> 3km
Age 12-13 years --> 5km
Age 14-15 years --> 6km
Age 16 --> 10km
Age 17 --> 25km
Age 18-19 -->45km
Age 20 and over --> No maximum distance
Early Bird Offer - Ends 31st December 2024!
Full Round- Affiliated £88. Non affiliated £90
Half Round - Affiliated £56. Non affiliated £58
The Other Half - Affiliated £40. Non affiliated £42
Quarter Round - Affiliated £25. Non affiliated £27
Prices from 1st January 2025
Full Round - Affiliated £97. Non affiliated £99
Half Round - Affiliated £62. Non affiliated £64
The Other Half - Affiliated £44. Non affiliated £46
Quarter Round - Affiliated £28. Non affiliated £30
Closing date for entries 28th April 2025
‘Ultra experience at its best’
'Coming along on Friday night was like meeting up with old friends. Then having a delicious feed and a beer was spot on. The route was beautiful, brilliantly marked and a real challenge. The aid stations were so well stocked and super friendly. Then receiving a medal, t-shirt, bottle of beer and more food was a perfect end.'
'You have a really special race, and I feel privileged to be able to take part in it. We are already planning on heading down next year.'
'As a local it was so nice to run such a stunning (but tough!) route that highlights the natural beauty of East Devon. The ethos of the event as a ‘ultra running social’ and charity fundraiser rather than commercial enterprise is also refreshing
Oh @eastdevonround, you, your countryside and wonderful people have stolen my heart. Alasdair, Tim and Esme have created a wonderful event with such a great ethos, profits going to charities, caring for the trails and paths, providing a full weekend of fun for me and my family with camping, food, cheer and amazing prizes!'
Friday 2nd May 2025
16:00 Campsite opens
18:00 - 22:00 Registration and Event Briefing
19:00 Pre-race Friday Night 'my running stories' and Feast
Saturday 3rd May 2025
05:00 Last minute briefing
05:15 Walk to start
05:30 Full and Half runners start (Sunrise at 05:44)
9:00 Quarter runners start
12:30 First Half finishers predicted
13:00 Other Half starts
Sunday 4th May 2025
02:30 Last finishers predicted
09:00 East Devon Mini Round (enter on day - donation to charity) & Big Breakfast
12:00 Event closes
Event HQ: Offwell Village Hall, EX14 9SE.
By Car -The Event HQ is located just off the A35. It is less than 2 miles from Honiton and the A30.
By Train - Honiton has a mainline trainline on the Exeter to London line.
Parking - There is plenty of parking at Event HQ
Camping - There is camping on the playing pitch beside the event, and showers and other amenities are available for use within the village hall.
Camping costs £10 per tent for the weekend.
A weekend meal ticket is available for £25.
Camping and meal tickets can be booked when entering the event and are paid for on the day at Race HQ.
Required Kit List for Full & Half Entrants
Required Kit List for Quarter Entrants
Aid Stations
East Devon Round: 9 Aid stations
East Devon Half Round: 5 Aid Stations
The Other Half: 5 Aid Stations
EDR QTR: 2 Aid Stations
Cut-Off Times
We try to make the EDR as inclusive as possible for all, this includes our fabulous volunteers who help at checkpoints, giving up their time to make the EDR so enjoyable. For this reason we will have cut offs in place for each checkpoint so that we can provide clarity for the volunteers giving up their time to make the event possible. Cut offs will always be very generous when compared to comparable events.
To complete the full round within time limits works out at about 3 miles per hour. Transport is provided back from checkpoints if needed. Transport is provided from the finish of the half back to the event HQ.
We encourage spectators and are also happy to have support runners join you for part of your race. We are able to offer meal tickets to spectators and are happy to guide them in where to see you on the course.
External food and nutrition support is permitted on all courses. For the Full East Devon Round only, a support runner is permitted from the Weston aid station. The support runner must carry full mandatory kit.
Spectators and crew are welcome to camp (£10 per tent) and can also purchase weekend meal tickets (£25). Please book these when you enter the event. They are both payable on the day at Race HQ.
Coming soon
A sunny morning in June 2024 saw the inaugral beta testing of Ruby Red Running's Branscombe International Trail Championships. A trail relay (3 per team) incorporating a 6 mile loop from the seafront at Branscombe with some 'undulating' hills....
Each leg started and finished outside the Sea Shanty with amazing beach views. What a location! The added twist was that each team had to collect scrabble pieces on their way round and then had to use their tired brains to work out the 12 letter word.
Watch out for the return in 2025 - with some tweaks and added surprises!
Park either at the pay car park at the Sea Shanty (EX12 3DP) or at Branscombe Village Hall (EX12 3DB)
A weekend of ordinary people achieving extraordinary feats!
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Courses will be marked, however there are some short sections where marking is not permitted. If participant do not have access to GPX then maps can marked at registration. Tracking will be available on GeoTracks |
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Courses will be marked, however there are some short sections where marking is not permitted. If participant do not have access to GPX then maps can marked at registration. Tracking will be available on GeoTracks |
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Courses will be marked, however there are some short sections where marking is not permitted. If participant do not have access to GPX then maps can marked at registration. Tracking will be available on GeoTracks |
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Courses will be marked, however there are some short sections where marking is not permitted. If participant do not have access to GPX then maps can marked at registration. |
On Saturday May 4th 100 plus runners took part in the East Devon Round. This was the 5th running of the Trail Running Festival incorporating 4 different events. The full round takes in a whopping 68.5 miles with 3,175 metres of ascent (pretty much every hill in East Devon) and passes Dalwood, Lyme Regis, Sidbury, Honiton and Luppitt, before finishing back at event HQ of Offwell Village Hall.
The East Devon half round finishes in the bluebell Iron Age fort of Blackbury Camp (including 37 miles and nearly 2,000 metres of ascent) and the EDR Qtr encompasses a 14 mile route from Blackbury Camp back to Offwell. The final race is available to those that have completed the East Devon half Round and includes the 2nd half of the race.
The race attracts many locals, with Honiton, Axminster, and Sidmouth Running clubs all represented, a strong Cornish contingent, alongside people from across the UK, as well as a select few international competitors each year (2 x Canadians and 1 x Dutch runner this year.)
Together the competitors ran over 3,750 miles and climbed twice the height of Everest, all in one day. It is always a coming together of wonderful like-minded people achieving extraordinary feats. Justin Montague (Seaton local) returned to win the Full in an incredible time of 12hrs 33mins, chased hard all day by Axe Valley Runner and local legend Rob Collier. Melissa Montague also returned to retain her trophy winning the Full in 15hrs 58mins, followed by previous winner and Cornish favourite Holly Holmes in 16hrs 07mins. Third home was Honiton Running Club’s very own Anna Drake in 17hrs 40mins. The final finishers completed the course around 2.30am in 21hrs 14mins.
Notable local performances in the East Devon half Round were Carla Tunnicliffe winning the half outright, Honiton locals Kevin Clarke and Nick Couch (3rd and 4th respectively), and Hannah Davies (helped or run at the event every year since 2019) coming in 2nd lady. Mark Dallyn (Honiton Running Club came in 3rd in the Other Half with Clare Melbourne (also Honiton RC) winning the ladies in the Other Half. Anthony Hatchard put in a strong performance to win the quarter, with Fiona Laramy (Offwell local) running strong to win the ladies. Lily Purchase and Lizzie Lanning were our youngest competitors, completing the EDR QTR aged 17, and this race also had a strong contingent of Honiton runners in Rachel Hennessey, Helen Williams, Vicky Henwood, Donna Stone and Tina Duckitt.
The event raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the Rich Wigram NZ Farming Scholarship and Offwell PTFA who host a magnificent Big Breakfast on the Sunday morning for hungry competitors to replenish some calories! It simply could not take place without a whole army of volunteers and helpers, cake bakers and route markers, but also over 50 farmer and landowner permissions – these include the Wyatts, Raymond Pike, Whitlands, Robert Reid, Rob Summers, Charlotte Furnival, Nick Reynold, Alan Derryman, Rodney Pring, Ray Willmington, Barry Simmonds, Rupert Douglas-Pennent, Andrew Luscombe, the Luppitt Commoners, Chris Davey, Fiona Page-turner, Wilf and Liz Tratt, John and Carolyn Earl, Jonathan Paveley and Pauline and John Hopkins. Without their support the event could not take place.
We are also wonderfully supported by a host of local companies including Ganesha Wholefoods, Otter Brewery, Ottery Valley Ice Cream, Heron Farm, Devonvale Flapjacks and Combe Garden Centre.
There are lots of images here so please be patient, this may take a little while to load...
Join Ruby Red Running for a beautiful run through the Blackdown Hills. With two challenging but stunning routes to choose from, everyone is encouraged to come and explore this area of outstanding natural beauty. All runners will be rewarded with a yummy treat at the finish line.
As you approach the village you will be met by parking marshals who will guide you to a suitable parking location.
Parking will be dependent on weather and 'ground' conditions.
To minimise the disruption to local residents, and reduce walk times to registration (could be up to 10min), we ask that you car share where ever possible. Entry on the day for both courses will be available. Please make your way to the village hall for both entry on the day and pre-entered Bib collection.
There are toilets at the village hall
Bags can be left in the village hall at your own risk
Timings
8.45: Parking opens (please do not arrive before this)
8.45: Registration opens
9.30: Entry on the day closes
9.45: Pre-entry bib collection closes
10.00: Dalwood 10K(ish) starts
10.05: Dalwood 3K(ish) starts
10.40(ish): First finisher on the 10K(ish)
12.00 Courses close
By its nature, trail running comes with some degree of risk, but thats part of the fun. During this event we will do our best to give you plenty of...
Mud (slippery and doesn't taste great if face plant in it).
River crossings (good for getting mud off, not good for breathing)
Trip hazards such as roots & stones (especially dangerous when combined with gravity and forward motion)
Hills (better than rivers, but still not good for breathing!)
Road crossings (mainly used by horses and tractors in these parts)
In all seriousness, the course is marked for navigation purposes, there will be marshals at road crossings but it is still your responsibility to ensure it is safe to cross.
What if I get injured and/or can't finish the course?
If you are unable to complete the course then please notify a marshal and ensure that you return to race HQ and let the finish team know you are back before leaving the event.
Please support other runners on the course, if there is an injury that needs medical attention then please provide help and notify the nearest marshals who will be able to contact the medical team.
Coming soon....
