RUN Barnstaple 10k 2026

Raising sponsorship  

Your registration fee only covers the cost of delivering this event. It’s your sponsorship that will help us make the most of short and precious lives across the South West. Without the support of wonderful fundraisers like you, we would not be able to keep caring for babies, children, young people and their families across the South West.  

Running miles and raising smiles

• £86 could help to fund 1 hour of care for a family at one of our children’s hospices  
• £150 could support a family through the early stages of their bereavement journey  
• £250 could help fund a weekend of sibling support for a brother or sister  
• £720 could cover the food bill for one of our hospice kitchens for 1 week 

Fundraising online 

It’s the easiest way to get sponsored. Let everyone know why you’re taking part and update your page with photos and videos. Share your page on social media, WhatsApp and by email so your family and friends can sponsor you. 

Set up your JustGiving page  

Download 10k route map (PDF)

The route is mainly flat but elevates on crossing the Taw Bridge. The route can be breezy and there will be a headwind at some points on the course.

The race starts at Rock Park in Barnstaple and heads down Ladies Mile. Turning left onto Taw Vale, passing down one of the most scenic roads in the town.  

The route then goes along the Strand to the old Civic Centre car park, accessing the Tarka Trail via the bridge. Continue on the Tarka Trail until the route turns right off the trail and right again to cross the Taw Bridge.  

Heading off the bridge, the route re-joins the Tarka Trail on the Anchor Woods footpath. At the Anchor Woods gate, take a right turn towards Asda and follow the Taw Wharf houses towards the Old Bridge.  

Cross the Old Bridge and turn left onto the Strand and repeat the route for a second lap.  

After crossing the Old Bridge for the second time, turn left onto the Strand, then turn left after Bridge Buildings, just before the old fountain, and left again to go through the underpass and head back along Taw Vale and Ladies Mile for a victorious finish in Rock Park.  

Water stations 

There are 2 water stops on the 10k route. 

Important details for on the day 

All routes are well marked, with distance markers, directional signs, and marshals. Most of the route is on either closed roads or the Tarka Trail, however there is a section of around a mile in which participants will be sharing the road with cars. The Tarka Trail is open as usual to the public and bikes, walkers etc will be using the trail on race day. 

Race start and finish: Rock Park, Ladies Mile, Barnstaple, EX32 9AH 

Timings 

• 9am Marathon  
• 10am Half Marathon
• 11am 10k 

Registration, running numbers, bag drop 

Registration, running number collection and bag drop is at Park School (Park Lane, Barnstaple EX32 9AX) which can be accessed via steps from Rock Park/Ladies Mile. Please allow plenty of time to register, get your number and drop your bags before your race starts as it can get busy.  

Please note there is no access to Park School car park  

Registration timings: 

• 7:30am to 8:30am Marathon  
• 8:30m to 9:30am Half Marathon  
• 9:45 to 10:30am 10k  

You must attend in person to collect your number; we do not post numbers out. 

Please wear your number on the front of your body, it must be clearly displayed on your torso. Do not fold it as the chip is contained on the number and you will damage it, and it may mean you don’t get a time or a finish position. Please attend the race briefings 10 minutes before the start of each race located at the start area.  

If you have purchased a CHSW running vest, CHSW running T-shirt or RUN Barnstaple T-shirt, we will post this out before the race to wear with pride during your training.  

Event Village 

The Event Village, and start and finish is: Rock Park, Ladies Mile, Barnstaple,  EX32 9AH

The event village will have food and drink vendors, a bar, and stalls. There will be fun and entertainment for children so please bring family and friends along to support you. 

Dogs on leads are welcome to spectate and in the event village but are not permitted to participate.  

Toilets 

There are toilets, in the event village.  

Parking 

Barnstaple town centre has ample public parking.  

There is no vehicle access to Rock Park, the road is closed all day. 

There is no access to Park School car park 

Spectators 

There are plenty of great vantage spots for spectators to cheer. Our favourites are: 

• The start and finish line
• Fremington Quay
• Barnstaple Long Bridge
• Barnstaple Town Square 

Water stations

There are 2 water stops on the 10k route. 

At Children's Hospice South West we strive to make our events as 'green' as possible. Thirsty Work are providing the water and recyclable cups for us at the 8 water stations, there will also be water available in the sports hall at Park School during registration and  in the event village. We encourage runners to bring their own bottle or cup.  

At each water station there will be water and jelly sweets  

Please note, we will not be supplying isotonic gels or drinks at the water stations, please bring your own.  

There are rubbish bins at each station, please do not throw cups or rubbish along the route, please give it to the volunteers at the water stations or put it in the bins. 

First aid 

First Aid cover is provided.

Prizes 

All races have the same prizes for male and female runners: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall.   

The marathon and half marathon will also have 1st in the following age groups: Senior, Vet 40, Vet 50, Vet 60. 

Prizes need to be collected on the day, we do not send out prizes, if you think you have won a prize please stay for the presentation. 

Marshals and headphones 

Our fabulous marshals are all volunteers giving up their time on a Sunday to ensure our event can go ahead. Please be respectful, they are there for your safety, look out for them and listen to any instructions given by them, failure to do so may result in disqualification.   

We prefer you not to wear headphones, this is for your safety and for other people using the route. If you choose to wear headphones, please do not wear them on any of the road sections of the races. 

Can you help at RUN Barnstaple?

We are looking for volunteers to help make RUN Barnstaple a continued success. 

• Race marshalls
• Back-markers
• Water stop volunteers
• Registration and bag drop
• Finish line crew