DovedaleDash
The famous cross country race in thorpe, dovedale since 1953
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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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!
SUCCESSFUL
DOVEDALE DASH 2025
Despite the difficult conditions this weekend (Storm Amy), Thorpe village was able to successfully organise the 65th Dovedale Dash this year. On Sunday we were met with blue skies but still high winds. The river level had risen quite a bit.
Winners of the Dash this year were Alex Stewart from Bristol and West AC in a time of 28:56 mins and Catherine Williams from Sinfin running club in a time of 34:52 mins. Thank you all for taking part!
WE WILL KEEP A NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR ENTRY ON THE DAY, BUT
ARE EXPECTING MOST ENTRIES TO BE DONE ONLINE BEFORE THE RACE
OUR SPONSOR - THE OLD DOG
what is the
dovedale dash?
children's race
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 2023's race we have been able to donate £6,000 to help fund improvements to the hall. Last year despite having to cancel the race, you donated over £3,000 to local charities. In the past we have supported many 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. 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
- CASH ONLY, BRING CORRECT CHANGE
with your help we are able to maintain our village hall and sponsor local charities
ONLINE PRE ENTRY - 2026 not yet open
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 NEXT 66TH DOVEDALE DASH IS ON SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER
!THANK YOU ALL FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE 65TH DOVEDALE DASH!
DOWNLOAD YOUR CERTIFICATE
AND ADD YOUR NAME AND
FINISHING POSITION
We are very grateful that 'The Old Dog' In Thorpe is sponsoring the Dovedale Dash! The Old Dog is our brilliant village pub with a great selection of beers and food.
Look out for an on the day offer using your race bib!