The sixth annual Dulverton Trail Fun Run & Canicross is to be held on Sunday 20 September – a week from today! This popular event attracts trail runners and canicross enthusiasts (people who run with their dog) from across Devon and Somerset, keen to enjoy a beautiful and challenging route over Exmoor countryside around Dulverton. There is a choice of a 5k or 10k routes and, new for 2026, walkers have been invited to join the event on the 5k route. A quick check on the weather and it’s looking ideal for an excellent morning’s running – sunny intervals and a gentle breeze – perfect!
The Routes
In true Exmoor style, the run will combine some tough gradients but was described by one experienced trail runner last year as an “excellent traditional trail run”. Setting off from the Exmoor Lawns in Dulverton, in front of Exmoor House, the route will take runners through Burridge Woods beside the picturesque River Barle and along to Marsh Bridge. Those running both 5k and 10k routes will climb the hill in Looseall Wood with a hydration point at the top. The 10k route will then veer off towards the triangulation point at Court Down (pictured) with panoramic views towards Dartmoor to the south and Dunkery Beacon (Somerset’s highest point) to the north. All runners complete the run downhill along the track known as School Lane and back to the Exmoor Lawns.
Court Down triangulation point, Exmoor
Many runners have already made their online reservations, with the organisers from Visit Dulverton saying that “advance bookings help us enormously with the organisation of this entirely volunteer-led event”. Entries can be accepted on the day, but if you’d like to enter in advance click HERE. The entry price remains the same as in previous years – £15 choosing either the 5k or 10k route, with or without your dog.
The Trophies and Medals
Event trophies provided by Stag Environmental
All competitors will be awarded a tasteful, eco-friendly wooden medal, that will double as a key ring after the event, handcrafted by local Minehead business, Exmoor Engraving, who will also create a wooden treat box for the winning dog of the day! The day after the event, runners’ times (bib numbers only) will be available to view on the website.
The event has been generously sponsored by The Bridge Inn, Dulverton (who are putting together a special Fun Run menu on the day) and local businesses, Stag Environmental (who have provided the pictured trophies) and Dulverton’s excellent music shop, Oggies Music.
