2024 Dartmoor Discovery

The 2024 Dartmoor Discovery (DD) ultramarathon which takes place Saturday 8th June 2024, promises to be one of the most thrilling in its history, as last year’s winner, Joe Beaton, returns to defend his trophy, facing a tough challenge from veteran two-time winner Adam Holland.

Race Director Liz Barnett said: ‘What a race we have in prospect! I can’t wait to welcome Joe, Adam and all the other DD runners to Princetown, for what promises to be a fantastic event. The race always attracts a fascinating mixture of youth and experience and this year’s event is no different. I wish all the runners the very best of luck.’

Organised by leading South West running club the Teignbridge Trotters, the 32-mile DD has for many years been the UK’s longest single-lap road race. The event is as popular as it has ever been and all 260 places for the race have sold out.

Liz Barnett said: ‘I’m so excited that the race has sold out yet again. We know that runners from all over the country love the unique challenges that only the DD can offer. There is nothing else like it in ultra distance running. Once done, the DD is never forgotten!’

For 2024, the event will once again be headquartered at Princetown Community Centre, where the race organisers are taking full advantage of the location to offer a variety of attractions for runners, including the ever-popular Friday night Pasta Party, a fully licensed bar and the legendary post-race disco. Campers will be able to take advantage of the unique atmosphere of a dedicated event village immediately adjacent to race HQ.

The Teignbridge Trotters took over the running of the DD after the 2010 race, when the previous organiser announced his retirement, casting doubt over the future of the well-loved ultrarunning event. Starting and finishing at Princetown in the heart of Dartmoor, the DD attracts some of the country’s top ultra distance runners, as well as hardy enthusiasts of all ages. It combines stunning views with several tough hills and notoriously unpredictable weather, resulting in a true test of body and soul.

As the runners battle across Dartmoor, a huge logistical operation ensures all aspects of the event proceeds smoothly. An estimated 150 people help out on the day in a variety of roles, from marshalling and timekeeping to staffing water stations and providing catering.

This year, the race is sponsored by Sibelco, The Ilsington Country House Hotel, M I Plant and Empire Scaffold.

Further down the field, runners battle to beat three cut-off points that they must pass within certain times to qualify as official race finishers. The cut-off points are placed at 13.1 miles (2 hours, 53 minutes), 20 miles (4 hours, 15 minutes) and 26.2 miles, or marathon (5 hours, 30 minutes).

About the Dartmoor Discovery: The Dartmoor Discovery takes in some of the most challenging hills in any UK road race. First run in 1998, the race was conceived by Phil Hampton, who continued to organise it until his retirement in 2010. Originally, the course was 34 miles. It was shortened to 32 miles in 2002, to avoid runners having to cross a busy road in Princetown. In 2001, the event was cancelled in response to a severe outbreak of foot and mouth disease across the UK. In 2020, the race was cancelled for the second time in its history, due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Anyone wishing to enter the Dartmoor Discovery should be aware that it is a genuinely tough event aimed at experienced runners who have already completed a marathon. A strict, six-and-a-three-quarter-hour cut-off policy is in place. After this time, race marshals will be withdrawn from the course.

About the Teignbridge Trotters: The Teignbridge Trotters is one of the South West’s leading running clubs. With more than 200 members and an experienced, fully qualified coaching team, the club is renowned for the friendly welcome it offers to runners of all abilities. In addition to the Dartmoor Discovery, the club stages five races of varying distances throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.teignbridgetrotters.co.uk

Related links
Dartmoor Discovery 2023 Race Report John Ludlam