ADVENTURE-SEEKERS and trail runners across the South West are being challenged to take on a brand-new test of endurance this autumn.

The Dartmoor Beast launches in support of Devon charity, Hospiscare.

Taking place on Sunday, September 27, this brand-new event will see participants tackle a spectacular yet demanding multi-terrain course through the wild heart of Dartmoor National Park.

Starting and finishing at OCRA (Okehampton Community and Recreation Association) in Okehampton, the event promises an unforgettable test of endurance, grit, and determination.

Runners can choose between two epic routes: The Beast, a gruelling 20-mile challenge across the high moor, and The Wee Beastie, a shorter, but still formidable, 14-mile route.

Both courses take in rugged open moorland, winding woodland trails, river crossings, and classic Dartmoor bogs. There are also steep climbs, including the ascent to High Willhays, the highest point in southern England.

With 3,399 feet of elevation on the full route, and 2,224 feet on the shorter option, The Dartmoor Beast offers a serious challenge for runners looking to push their limits in one of the UK’s most dramatic landscapes.

Participants will enjoy a fully supported, chip-timed experience, with aid stations along the route. All finishers will be rewarded with a metal medal - and a well-earned traditional Devon cream tea at the finish line. Prizes will also be awarded to the fastest male and female runners.

Organised by Hospiscare, the event will raise vital funds to support specialist end-of-life care for patients and families across Exeter, central and east Devon, including North Dartmoor. Entry fees start from £27, with places limited for this inaugural year.

In addition, £2 of each entry will go directly to the Dartmoor National Park Authority to help protect the moor’s precious landscapes and maintain access to its unique trails.

Entries are now open. To sign up, visit: thedartmoorbeast.co.uk.