The Dartmoor Discovery (DD) – Race Report 2025

HENRY HART SMASHES DARTMOOR DISCOVERY COURSE RECORD BY MORE THAN 10 MINUTES

Belgrave Harrier and Team GB athlete throws down the gauntlet as he cracks record set back in 2014

Ultrarunning records tumble amid torrential downpours 

Newton Abbot, June 8, 2025 — Belgrave Harrier and Team GB athlete Henry Hart stunned onlookers and race veterans alike at the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) ultramarathon on Saturday (June 7), as he smashed the course record by more than 10 minutes.

Charging across the moor in heavy thunderstorms, Henry finished in an astounding time of 3:18:53, obliterating the previous course record of 3:29:24, which had stood since 2014, when it was set by John Ward, of Bideford AC.

Race Director Liz Barnett of event organisers the Teignbridge Trotters said: ‘Congratulations to Henry. Winning the DD is an incredible achievement, whatever the time – especially when the weather closes in. But setting a new course record by such a wide margin in torrential rain is unprecedented. It’s clear that the unique challenges of the DD continue to attract top national talent.’

Elizabeth Barry-Bradshaw of CLC Striders, sailed through the challenging conditions to win the ladies’ trophy, in a time of 4:22:04. Last year’s men’s winner, Joshua Hasson, was second overall, finishing in 3:31:57. Exeter Harrier Steve Adams came third, clocking 3:59:31 and bagging a new MV50 course record in the process.

Teignbridge Trotter Helen Anthony, a former DD ladies’ winner, was second lady, finishing in 4:32:02, which also earned her victory in the FV45 category. Kirsty Prowse, of the DSFRS Running Club, was third, in a time of 4:44:16.

Topping off a record-breaking day, 100 Marathon Club runner Nuala Smyth posted a new FV60 course record of 05:06:11, slicing an incredible 22 minutes off the previous record.

This year’s DD was also a special event for two runners in particular. When Plymouth Falconer Neil Williams crossed the finish line on Saturday, he was completing his 500th marathon. Meanwhile, Teignbridge Trotter Derek Skinner used the occasion to chalk up his 100th marathon.

Liz Barnett said: ‘Congratulations to Neil and Derek. We’re so thrilled that they chose our event to mark their very special running landmarks. The DD is all about participation at every level and it’s great that, over the years, we’ve been a part of many runners’ significant milestones.’

The DD, which starts and finishes in Princetown, is organised by leading South West running club the Teignbridge Trotters. Renowned for breathtaking views, equally breathtaking hills and weather that always surprises, the DD is the UK’s longest single-lap road race. This year, 172 ultrarunners crossed the line, out of a line-up of 185 starters.

The DD is known for keen competition among running clubs for team trophies. This year, the Teignbridge Trotters were triumphant, claiming the men’s trophy for the 13th time and the ladies’ crown for the 4th time. The Trotter men were: Kris Ward (4:36:59), Oliver Reynolds (4:44:32) and Adam Johnstone (4:51:30). Helen Anthony led the Trotter ladies home, ably supported by Freya Morrissey (5:14:25) and Mandy Wheeler (5:17:40 and FV50 winner).

Also running for the Teignbridge Trotters were: Jason Trevenen (5:09:26), Roger Hayes (5:14:24), Andy Gillson (5:28:28), Andrew Rattlidge (5:32:32), Joanna Randall (5:33:05), AllenTaylor (5:38:54), Lucy Evans (5:40:52), Kate Williamson (5:45:04), Ewan Walton (5:48:57), Neil Rutley (5:54:49), Kathryn Steemson (6:05:48), Derek Skinner (6:24:46), Paul Sharples (6:24:47 and MV65 winner), Sharon Sharples (6:30:06), Adam Doherty (6:39:06), Chris Andrews (6:42:51), Roger Moss (6:43:58) and Eamon Crowe (6:45:00).

Behind the scenes, the Teignbridge Trotters brought together an experienced and enthusiastic team to ensure the event was conducted safely and smoothly. An estimated 150 people contributed a wide range of skills, including marshalling, timekeeping and catering. Divine Sound and a2e Medical Services supplied public address and first aid services.

This year’s sponsors were Sibelco, the Ilsington Country House Hotel, M I Plant and Apex Scaffolding.

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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 a 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 the links below.

Links

Race website: Dartmoor Discovery
Facebook: Teignbridge Trotters Races and photo gallery.

See also
Dartmoor Discovery Race Report 2024