9 incredibly well stocked aid stations, 10kms apart
You will be asked on entry what you would like at aid stations, and with the exceptions of specific energy products, champagne or caviar, we will try and cater for your needs. That said it is expected you will carry with you a sufficient amount of nutrition for a race of this nature
Ultra Trail Marathon in East Devon
The route encompasses wild garlic lined river paths, climbs past Dalwood vineyard on Danes Hill, passes through ancient woodland full of wild flowers and coated in bluebells, and traverses the striking Hartridge ridge, high above the village of Luppitt, and the home of Otter Brewery. The section between Seaton and Lyme Regis, known as the Undercliffs, was affectionally named 'the Jungle' by 2019's competitors, where lush green vegetation, tree roots and countless steps await. Two of East Devon's impressive Iron Age hill forts are climbed, both the striking Dumpdon, in the midst of the Otter Valley; and the bluebell haven of Blackbury Camp. It meets the sea at both the impressive Lyme Regis's historic cobb and at Axmouth harbour, but also reaches the heights of the Blackdown Hills, complete with views reaching far over Dartmoor. A final section of Offwell woods spits you out back where you started all those hours and miles before where Pizza, Beer, Cake and your East Devon Round medal are all yours!
ROUTE SECTIONS
Points of Note
A gradual descent takes you past the 15th Century St Michael's church in Cotleigh and along the wild garlic lined Umborne Brook.
Once up and over Seven Mile straight and Stockland Tower (a constant presence in this route) ; a downhill stretch brings to the village of Dalwood and CP1 at 9.5km
Over Danes Hill, and along the Yarty Valley brings you to Axminster, before a slog up the Evil Lane and past an abandoned Grade 1 listed farmhouse brings you to in sight of the sea and Charmouth.
Down the dip, take a right and CP2 will be there at 23.9kms
An easy stretch down to Lyme Regis through Uplyme Woods allows you to prepare yourself for the most challenging section of the course - The Undercliffs - between Lyme and Seaton - having had replenishment at CP3 at 29.5kms
After all the ups and downs, twists and turns of the coastpath, and a lunch stop at CP4 at 39.3kms, the flatter section of Seaton Wetlands through to Colyton allows some easier miles.
However either side of Southleigh two wooded hills await, and just after CP5 at 49.3kms the route diverts through the bluebell haven of the Iron Age fort of Blackbury Camp.
Up and over several wooded valleys leads you to the sharp flint descent into Sidbury and CP6 at 59.4km complete with soup, teas and coffees.
The stretch through secluded ancient forest up to East Hill strips remains one of my favourite of the course, before a glimpse of the Otter Valley lets you know you have nearly made it to CP7 at 70kms.
Egalnd Hill, Old Wolford Farm with views far over Dartmoor and Rhodidendron Walk take you to the steep descent into Luppitt and CP8 at
81.2kms before the highest part of the course - the ridgeline of Hartridge, and the trig point of Dumpdon Fort. A welcome descent allows you to reach CP9 at 89kms, before the final stretch up through Honiton and Old Rectory Farm allows you to reach Offwell woods and the taste of home!
EVENT CATERING
We are incredibly fortunate to have both Rod and Ben's providing the Friday night meal and soups out on the course, and Ganesha wholefoods supplying wonderful aid station supplies. An espresso machine will also be available at Checkpoint 6.
Marina Hodder (BodyworX Soft Tissue Therapy) will also be on hand to offer post event massages with any donations going to the event's chosen charities (Offwell Primary School, Combe Raleigh Playgroup)
REQUIRED KIT
Solos - Waterproof jacket, emergency tinfoil blanket, emergency whistle, hat and gloves, headtorch (minimum 100 lumens) plus spare batteries, water carrying capacity (1 litre), reusable drinking cup spare warm top (spare means not worn at the start), mobile phone (fully charged) enough nutrition to have between aid stations, Event map (provided)
A bag drop will be provided at the halfway point (EX24 6RY)
Tracking fob (provided at registration)
Pairs - Waterproof jacket, emergency tinfoil blanket, emergency whistle, hat and gloves, headtorch (minimum 100 lumens) plus spare batteries, water carrying capacity (1 litre), spare warm top (spare means not worn at the start), mobile phone (fully charged) enough nutrition to have between aid stations, Event map (provided).
Tracking fob (provided at registration)
Teams of 4's and 6's - Waterproof jacket, emergency tinfoil blanket, emergency whistle, hat and gloves, water carrying capacity (1 litre), spare warm top (spare means not worn at the start), mobile phone (fully charged) enough nutrition to have between aid stations, Event map (provided)
headtorch (minimum 100 lumens) plus spare batteries required by first runner, and last runner of the 4's and the last two runners of the 6's.
Tracking fob (provided at registration)
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EVENT TIMINGS
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Campsite opens 4pm Friday 14th Aug
Registration 6pm - 10pm Friday 14th Aug
Event Briefing and Pre-Race Evening Meal 7:30pm Friday 14th Aug
2nd Event Briefing for later arrivals 9:30pm
Last minute briefing 5.30am Sat 15th Aug
Walk to start 5:45am Sat 15th Aug
Race Start 6am (Sunrise 5.44am) Sat 15th Aug
Cut off Checkpoint 5 (50kms) at 15:30pm
First Finishers predicted 6:30 pm Sat 15th Aug
Cut Off Checkpoint 7 (70kms) at 8:30pm
Last Finishers predicted 2.30am Sunday 16th Aug 2020
Presentation, Post Race Massages, and Breakfast 9.30am Sunday 16th Aug
Event Close 12pm Sunday 16th Aug
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NAVIGATION
It is expected competitors will be able to follow the custom made Harvey's East Devon Round map. However, the course will be marked with the principle that where it is a continuous stretch along one path do not expect to see many signs, whereas where there are intricate turns through villages etc., the route will be marked. A GPx file is available with any last minute alterations discussed at registration on the Friday evening.
CAMPING
Camping is provided for £5 a tent for the weekend on the large playing field beside the village hall. Large car park at Hall, Use of Village Hall amenities and hot showers. You can select a camping ticket on entering. (Limited numbers)
FOOD AT THE CAMPSITE
Friday 15th Aug - 6:30pm - 8:30 pm (happy to accommodate late comers until 10pm) Friday Night meal courtesy of Rod and Ben's Organic Foods - Vegetarian Curry, Rice and Naan and The race organiser's Sticky Toffee Pudding. (£3 main and £1.50 pudding)
All proceeds from pudding is going to Combe Raleigh Little Critters Playgroup. This can be booked upon entry.
Saturday 15th Aug - Please bring your own breakfast.
After the Race - Pizza and Pint courtesy of Otter Brewery. Rod and Ben's soups, as much as cake, treats, soft drinks, tea and coffee as you can manage. If like me, you can eat several pizzas in one sitting, the first is covered in the entry, and the 2nd, 3rd and 4th pizza you will need to pay for!
Sunday 3rd May - Breakfast provided by Offwell Village Primary with all takings going to the school. Tere is going to be an improved 'Full Fry' option for 2020's event!
Throughout the event (Friday - Sunday) there will be a pop up teas shop with cakes, soft drinks, teas and coffees provided by Combe Raleigh's Little Critter Playgroup.
Bar - There will be a cash bar on the Saturday night.
Food for Spectators - Spectators are welcome to join for the meal on the Friday night, and also to buy Pizzas direct from the Stone Artisan Pizza van. There will also be the monthly visit of the Fish and Chip van to Offwell Village Hall that Saturday evening. The rest of the post race grub is reserved for competitors.
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CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS
Checkpoint 1 - 9.5 kms
Tucker's Arms pub in Dalwood
OS Ref - 248 005
Sat Nav EX13 7EG
Checkpoint 2 - 23.9 kms
A35 Crossing at Penn
OS Ref - 342 953
Sat Nav DT6 6BZ
Checkpoint 3 - 29.5 kms
Base of Steps up to Undercliffs Coast Path
OS Ref - 336 916
Sat Nav DT7 3LG
Checkpoint 4 - 39.3 kms
Old Bridge above Seaton marina
OS Ref 253 900
Sat Nav EX12 4AB
Checkpoint 5 - 49.3 kms
Foxbeare Farm (Bagdrop and Pairs change over)
OS Ref 211 935
Sat Nav EX24 6RL
Checkpoint 6 - 59.4 kms
Sidbury Village Hall
OS Ref 139 919
Sat Nav EX10 0SE
Checkpoint 7 - 70 kms
Otter Inn at Weston
CUT OFF 11PM
OS Ref 141 003
Sat Nav EX14 3NZ
Checkpoint 8 - 81.2 kms
Luppitt (Colehill Farm)
OS Ref 171 065
Sat Nav EX14 4RU
Checkpoint 9 - 89kms
Combe Raleigh Village Hall
OS Ref 161 025
Sat Nav EX14 4TJ
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TIMING
Competitors will be tracked and timed via Tracace and Sailing SW technology, with each competitor carrying a small fob (size of car key fob) in their bag. This provides live coverage of the race, with a location report sent every 5-10secs, an ability to send SOS messages, and also will allow friends and family to follow the race in real time in the internet. There is also an option to re-play your run after via their website. We are very fortunate to have Lottie from Tracace coming down to the event to run the trackers.
MASSAGES
Bodyworx will be offering post event massages on the Saturday evening and Sunday morning, with donations going to the 2 causes the East Devon Round supports - Offwell Village Primary School and Combe Raleigh playgroup
