Dovedale Dash
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Dovedale Dash
The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 mile held in and around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District. The course runs mainly along fields, paths and open ground in the valleys of the rivers Dove and Manifold. A notable feature of the route is the crossing of the River Dove at the Stepping Stones.
A separate Mini Dash is a childrens race of 1 1/4 miles around the foot of Thorpe Cloud. The Mini Dash is for U12s, with U12 and U9 categories. The main race is for those aged 12 years or older. The childrens route goes clockwise around Thorpe Cloud, down to the River Dove and then uphill through Lin Dale to the finish.
The event has a long history, first held in 1953, and the 2026 running is organised as the 66th edition. Entry fees listed are £14 for adults and £9 for U18s for the main race, and £5 for the Mini Dash. Parking is free on Thorpe Pastures. The event has been cancelled in some years when the car park was too wet. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
