Saturday 16th May 2020

Top Running Events in North Devon

Do you enjoy the outdoors and would like to participate in running events surrounded by stunning scenery? Book a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages near Woolacombe and take part in our recommended top running events in North Devon. Whether you want to achieve a personal best or just feel inspired there is an event that will tick all the boxes for you.

Woolacombe Dunes Park Run

Every Saturday from 9am
Free, timed event
Length: 5K

woolacombe dunes parkrun in North Devon iconic beach running eventPhoto courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

Every Saturday morning the hugely popular Woolacombe Dunes Park Run gathers at 9am to commence the 5km challenge, whatever your pace. The terrain is varied taking in the beach, dunes and some rocky paths however you are constantly inspired by the beautiful scenery of Woolacombe beach, all the way down to Putsborough Sands.

woolacombe dunes park run beach running events in north devon near Willingcott Valley holiday villagePhoto courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

During April 2019 the Running Channel filmed the increasingly popular event describing it as one of the most iconic and challenging Park Runs in the country. The run starts from the Woolacombe Dunes by the end of Marine Drive car park; Challacombe Hill Road, Woolacombe, EX34 7BA. Course Map. See the course map and please remember to register for free before your first visit.

Croyde Scrumptious Trail

Sunday 2nd June 2019
Sample free local produce along the way
Length: 10 Miles

croyde srumptuous trail 10 mile run in north devon

The Scrumptious Croyde Trail is a magnificent 10 mile multi-terrain event that can be a run or walk and starts from Croyde Bay beach field, car park. The route takes in breath-taking views of the North Devon coastline and countryside around Croyde Bay. The event is very unique and offers delicious local produce for participants to stop and try for free along the route.

croyde srumptuous trail run

The run is organised by the ‘Over and Above’ NHS charity. A non-profit charity looking to raise funds to enhance patient care. Tickets for the event are £28 and are sold by Eventbrite along with all course information. Fancy dress is encouraged!

Woolacombe 10K Beach Run

Sunday 16th June 2019
Length: 10K
Entry fee: £16

Best running events in North Devon - woolacombe 10k beach run

On Sunday 16th June the annual Woolacombe 10K Beach Run commences at 11am and takes in the varied terrain surrounding the beautiful Woolacombe beach. The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Ilfracombe Compass, raising money for local charities and costs £16. Up for grabs are lots of trophies per age category. Good luck to all of you that enter!

North Devon AONB Marathon

Sunday 30th June 2019
Length: Marathon/Half Marathon/10K
Entry fee: £37/£49

north devon aonb marathon running startline

North Devon is blessed to be situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (ANOB), this year marks the 10th anniversary of the North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon run by the North Devon Hospice. To mark this special occasion the organisers are adding a 10K route to ensure these sell-out events can be attended by as many people as possible. If you are up for a challenge these races are known as “one of the toughest” but most beautiful in the country.

north devon aonb marathon running event near Willingcott Valley Woolacombe

The races start and finish at the famous Woolacombe beach, there is a beer station along the way and to finish you are rewarded with a Cream Tea!

north devon aonb marathon running event with stunning view of Woolacombe beach

Entry prices for the marathon and half marathon are £37 or £49 with an event t-shirt.

Croyde Ocean Triathlon

Sunday 14th July 2019
Length: Triathlon
Entry fee: £79/£110

start of the croyde ocean triathlon event swimming at Putsborough Sands North DevonPhoto courtesy: howaboutdave photography

Croyde Ocean Triathlon celebrates its fifth year in 2019, its renown as one of the toughest triathlon’s in the country with an ethos of “inspiring people to take on their next challenge”. The event starts and finishes at Putsborough Sands which has plentiful amenities. The challenge set is; a 1.5km Ocean Swim along Putsborough beach in the Atlantic Ocean followed by a 38km Road Bike course. This is an out-and-back bike route to Fullabrook Wind Farm and encounters many tough elevations!

croyde ocean triathlon running event in North DevonPhoto courtesy: howaboutdave photography 

The final stage of the triathlon is a 12km off road run that crosses three beautiful bays; Putsborough, Croyde and Saunton via Baggy Point. The triathlon event is run in association with The Pickwell Foundation, individual entry costs £79 and relay entry costs £110, discounts available with a British Triathlon membership number.

Jewson Barnstaple Marathon & Half Marathon

Sunday 29th September 2019
Length: Marathon/Half Marathon
Entry fee: £32/£28

The Jewson Barnstaple Marathon and Half Marathon in North Devon

Want to break a personal best (PB), then this is the event for you! The Barnstaple Marathon and Half Marathon offer a “flat, fast route around the Taw Estuary”, taking in scenic views and an abundance of birdlife. This year sees the event return for its 6th year and is the home of the North Devon Road Runners (NDRR). The event starts from Rock Park, Barnstaple EX32 9AQ and entry costs £32 for the full marathon and £28 for the half, Charity places are available.

Woolacombe Santa Stroll & Run

Sunday 8th December 2019
Length: 3K/5K

Woolacombe Santa Stroll or Run running event north devon

One of the most enjoyable running events in North Devon has to be the Woolacombe Santa Run, which raises funds for local charities. Expected to be confirmed for Sunday 8th December, look out for more information closer to the time.

We hope you enjoy reading about all the running events in North Devon in this guide. If you fancy taking on an event then why not stay at Willingcott Valley Holiday Village, providing family friendly self-catering holiday cottages, located just 2 miles from Woolacombe beach. Perfectly placed to celebrate an athletic achievement and enjoy a memorable holiday in North Devon.


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