Burrator Horseshoe  2026 June 20th

Yes the Meavy Oak Fair and Burrator Horseshoe are back together for 2026 and this is the 28th year of the race!

We are really pleased as South West Fell Runners to host the locally famous Burrator Horseshoe race in support of Meavy Oak Fair Committee. Substantial funds are raised for local parish charities and good causes, and it’s just a brilliant village fair.

The race

The Burrator Horseshoe is a 6-mile moorland run from Meavy out over Dartmoor, via Burrator Reservoir, Sheepstor Dam, Sheepstor summit (369m), Gutter Tor summit (357m), and Ringmoor Down – the route map is below. It has a spectacular finish with a nice cooling ford dip and an awesome reception on the village green outside the welcoming Royal Oak Inn http://www.royaloakinn.co.uk/ .

A few key changes –  the Horseshoe start is back to the village green. Parking for runners is best at East end ( burrator end) of village also gives you the best view of junior course. Easiest access from the Burrator Inn junction as roads will be closed in the village).

At popular request there will also be a shorter Seniors route which will be available for those who may find pace of seniors race too challenging, 'Burrator Lite'.This is 6.5k and 175m of height gain and will include U18 age group..

A voluntary donation for parking goes towards the parish. This year registration will be back in or near the village hall.Please  arrive early as the fair gets busy from 1pm, so there is plenty of time to enjoy the fair and refreshments.

Junior races start at 2;40pm ( but please ensure you get there early enough to register and senior race from 3:20pm (you can watch them juniors run from the parking field). 

The race is held under Fell Runners Association rules and licence.  Race entry is £8.00 plus a 50p booking fee. The website should be live from May 1st to June 17th.

• Best times for the new course:  Ben Neale 40m 47s, & Jo Meek 45m 45s (2011)
• There are awards for the normal age groups plus a trophy for the first club team (4 male and 4 female finishers) which last year went to Tamar Trail Runners. We are aiming for an award presentation for seniors at 16;45 on the village green. Enjoy!
• The run will be limited to a maximum of 250 competitors and there is a minimum age limit:  you must be 18 or older on 31 dec26 to enter this event.
• Again this year there are junior races from 2:20pm – the briefing is at Marchants cross at 2;15 pm starting 5 mins later.: U10 & U12 race from the Marchants Cross around a very steep loop to race through the ford and back to the village green (somewhat wet!) .The  U14 & U16 also set off at 2:20 and race from Marchant’s Cross (just uphill from the ford) to Ringmoor cottage and back. Entry preferred in advance on line for, £1:50 per person. Will be £2 on the day.U18 will run 'Burrator lite route' and U20 can compete with Seniors.  Prizes for the age group winners. Please ensure entrants register before 2pm and note juniors run unaccompanied. Please support and encourage the junior races – you may also want to help as a marshal.
• Deadline for online entry is 16th June. This race is normally full so book early.  The Royal Oak is normally very accomadating for refreshments post race.
• Race Organiser: Richard Best with the support of South West Fell Runners, local club's Tamar trail runners and Tavistock AC and Meavy Parish.
• Come along and enjoy a great afternoon and evening!
• Any help of marshalling support greatly received - especailly for the juniors – please contact the organiser