Dartmoor Discovery 2025

LEADING GB ATHLETES TO MIX IT WITH TALENTED FORMER RACE WINNERS AS DARTMOOR DISCOVERY 2025 LOOKS FORWARD TO STRONGEST FIELD EVER

Two former men’s winners and three former ladies’ winners to battle it out with top national stars on the hills of Dartmoor’s toughest race

The Dartmoor Discovery 2025 (DD) ultramarathon, Saturday 7th June 2025, is set for a cracking contest when the runners gather at the start line in Princetown on June 7, as two national-level athletes fresh to the event take their place alongside five former race winners.

Team GB and Belgrave runner Henry Hart will be lining up with last year’s winner, Joshua Hasson, of Bideford AAC, and 2022 winner Ryan Snell – an Axe Valley runner and another Team GB athlete.

Meanwhile, leading ultrarunner Laura Swanton-Rouvelin, of MudCrew, will be facing off with 2024 ladies’ winner Naomi Flanagan, of Torbay Tri and Team GB, 2021 winner Hannah Bown, of Exmouth Harriers, and 2015 winner, Teignbridge Trotter Helen Anthony.

Race Director Liz Barnett said: ‘This year’s field is the best we’ve ever had and I can’t wait for these wonderful athletes to take on the challenges of Dartmoor. I’m thrilled that the DD is attracting top talent like this and it augers well for the future of the event.’

The DD is beloved by ultramarathon enthusiasts for its welcoming vibe, and many runners choose the event to coincide with significant running landmarks. This year is no different. If all goes well, three runners will pass big milestones on June 7. Neil Williams is set to knock-off his 500th marathon, Sharon Daw is on course to clock her 100th ultramarathon and Derek Skinner is looking forward to finishing his 100th marathon.

Liz Barnett said: ‘Marking milestones with fabulous runners like Neil, Sharon and Derek is what the DD is all about. Whether you’re running your first ultra or you’re returning as a DD vet, we know that those 32 miles will be very special for you and we’ll be with you every step of the way.’

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 2025 ultrarunning event will once again be headquartered at Princetown Community Centre, where runners and spectators will be well looked-after, with sustaining post-race snacks, a barbecue and a fully licensed bar. In the evening, runners and supporters will be able to celebrate their achievements at the legendary post-race disco.

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 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 runners tackle the challenges of crossing Dartmoor, an estimated 150 people are working behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes smoothy, covering a variety of roles, from marshalling and timekeeping to staffing water stations and tending the course.

This Dartmoor Discovery 2025 race is sponsored by Sibelco, The Ilsington Country House Hotel, M I Plant and Apex Scaffolding.

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).

Links
Raace website: Teignbridge Trotters Running Club

See also
Dartmoor Discovery Race Report 2024