Dovedale Dash
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About the race
The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 mile held in the area around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne, in Dovedale in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District. The course runs mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold. A notable feature of the main course is the crossing of the River Dove at the Stepping Stones.
The event also includes a children's Mini Dash that follows a route around the foot of Thorpe Cloud, goes down to the River Dove alongside the stepping stones without crossing them, and finishes after an uphill section through Lin Dale. Parents or guardians are permitted to accompany children in the Mini Dash.
The race has been held since 1953; the event regularly attracts large fields and is organised for a wide range of competitors. Parking is provided on Thorpe pastures, and the event has been cancelled in some years when the car park was too wet.
Distances and age eligibility:
- 4 3/4 mile Dovedale Dash : 12 years or older
- 1 1/4 mile Children's Mini Dash : up to 11 years old
Entry fees listed for the event include adult and under 18 prices for the main race and a separate fee for the Mini Dash. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
