Five hundred runners, including members of the Okehampton Running Club, raised thousands for local hospice charity Hospiscare in the inaugural Dartmoor Beast recently.

The event on September 27 raised a total of £90K for the charity which provides end-of-life care to patients and support to their families across Exeter, East and Mid Devon. Starting from Okehampton, runners completed either the 14-mile or 20-mile trail in wet weather across uneven terrain with steep climbs. Okehampton Running Club members also volunteered as marshals along the route.

Okehampton Running Club members described the event as “well-organised” and “tough” but “100 per cent worth it” and praised the marshals for being cheerful and full of smiles as runners passed checkpoints.

North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team was also present, providing support during the run to make sure everyone returned safely to Okehampton. Representatives for the mountain rescue team were also present in Simmons Park where they spoke to race participants and spectators about staying safe on the moor.

James Watts, chair of North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team, said: “When we heard Hospiscare was planning an event on North Dartmoor, we were keen to be involved. As people who spend so much time outdoors, we’re always delighted to see others enjoying Dartmoor's spectacular landscape.

“Like many members of our team, I also have personal reasons to be grateful for the incredible work that Hospiscare does for local families.

"We are proud to have supported such a successful event and to have helped participants enjoy the challenge safely. It has been wonderful to see so many people come together in support of this fantastic local charity, which provides vital work across our community."

The funds raised will help the hospice provide nursing, pain management, at-home care, and bereavement support for people facing life‑limiting illnesses and their families.

Hospiscare is an independent local charity and receives just 24 per cent of its funding from the NHS. It relies on donations and fundraisers for the rest.