DovedaleDash

The famous cross country race in thorpe, dovedale since 1953

The Dovedale Dash is a cross country race of 4 3/4 mile, run by 1200 to 1400 people of all abilities. The venue is the picturesque area around the village of Thorpe near Ashbourne and Dovedale in the south of the Derbyshire Peak District. 

The course is mainly along field paths and open ground in the valleys of the river Dove and Manifold. One of the excitements is the crossing of the rivers Dove at the well known Stepping Stones. The race starts at 11 am.

“LOTS OF PEOPLE COME ALONG YEAR AFTER YEAR, SO THEY OBVIOUSLY ENJOY IT. IF YOU HAVEN'T RUN THE DASH BEFORE WHY NOT JOIN THEM AND HAVE A FUN DAY OUT”


The Dovedale Dash is run on a voluntary basis by local people, and all profits go to local charitable causes and the upkeep of the Thorpe Village Hall. The Dash is both a serious run for many runners and running clubs, often part of their championships, but it is also a fun run with many people even taking part in fancy dress. We like this unique combination!

DOVEDALE DASH 2024

We had a great turnout last year with over 1,200 runners!

This year it is the 65th Dovedale Dash, but we are not retiring yet!!

The Dash is on the first Sunday in October as now usual, therefore this year on Sunday 6th October. 

Please make sure you guarantee an entry as well as make use of our lower pre-entry price, by pre-entering via SI Entries (see above). 

​There will be limited entries on the day available on a first come, first serve basis. 

TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE DOVEDALE DASH, CHECK THE WEBSITE, VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE HERE OR JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP HERE

WE WILL KEEP A NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR ENTRY ON THE DAY, BUT

ARE EXPECTING MOST ENTRIES TO BE DONE ONLINE BEFORE THE RACE ​

NEW SPONSOR - THE OLD DOG

what is the

dovedale dash?

children's race

Copyright Dovedale Dash. All rights reserved.

This website is maintained by Erwin van Vroenhoven, any questions or comments please email us on enquiries@dovedaledash.co.uk

We have used photo's from our old website, if you have an issue with your photo appearing on this website, let me know and I will remove the photo(s)


The surplus from the proceeds of the race go to local charitable causes and the upkeep of the Thorpe village hall. From last year's race we have been able to donate £6,000 to help fund the significant improvement projects the hall has been undergoing last year.

In the past we have supported local charities like Derby Mountain Rescue Team (see photo, Dovedale is one of their busiest areas!), Ilam School, Fenny Bentley School, Careline. We are delighted we can support these fantastic causes and hope to do so for many years in the future. This year again most of the funds will go to the village hall as more maintenance and improvements are required. 

  • THE DASH HAS BEEN GOING SINCE 1953
  • CHECK WEBSITE BEFORE YOU TRAVEL AS BAD WEATHER / SODDEN CAR PARK MEANS WE MIGHT HAVE TO CANCEL
  • ALL RUNNERS MUST REGISTER ON THE DAY OF THE RUN from 9 am
  • ​the race starts at 11 am
  • the children's race starts at 10 am
  • NO CHARGE FOR CAR PARKING
  • online pre-ENTRY IS £12.50 FOR ADULT RUNNERS (£15 entry on the day)
  • max 300 Entry on the day - on first come, first serve basis, so come early
  • ENTRY FOR UNDER 18'S £7.50 (£10 ON DAY)
  • ENTRY CHILDREN'S RACE £4
  • PLEASE BRING CORRECT CHANGE

with your help we are able to maintain our village hall and sponsor local charities

ONLINE PRE ENTRY

Race MarshaL advice

ARRIVE EARLY, SHARE CARS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

ONLY DRIVE ON THE PASTURES WHERE THE MARSHALS INDICATE

​NO EXIT FROM CAR PARK UNTIL AFTER 11:15 AM

NO LARGE VEHICLES ON THORPE PASTURES - FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS

 thE 65TH DOVEDALE DASH 2024 WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2024

MAKE SURE YOU PRE-ENTER TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT AND GET A LOWER ENTRY PRICE!

DOWNLOAD YOUR CERTIFICATE

AND ADD YOUR NAME AND

FINISHING POSITION

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Latest news

There is a separate Children's race for the under 12's and under 9's starting at 10 am. The race starts at the bottom of Thorpe Cloud close to registration. The race is c1 1/4 mile and runs down to the river Dove, under Thorpe Cloud and back up Lin Dale to the main race finish. You can accompany your children should you choose to. Last year we had 76 children from as far as Northumberland participating in the Mini Dash.

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