Barney to Beach: 20 Years of Hope

Eight miles from town to tide, supporting bereaved families one step at a time.

Want to set yourself a new physical challenge? Or simply enjoy a fun run with friends in aid of a good cause? This year, we're combining our annual Barney to Beach event with 20 Years of Hope: a celebration of two decades of FiG.

Covering eight miles of scenic North Devon countryside, the route begins at Barnstaple Pannier Market and winds along the scenic Tarka Trail before finishing with a challenging sprint across the dunes. Suitable for all abilities, this adventure from 'Town to Tide' has quickly become a favourite in the North Devon sporting calendar.

To mark our 20th anniversary, we're encouraging local businesses, organisations, and families to take on the challenge to raise £20,000 for FiG. Entrance to Barney to Beach is just £26.50 per adult, but we encourage everyone to get sponsored and help us reach our target - all money raised will help us continue to support bereaved children and young people across North Devon and Torridge. Find out more about our 20 Years of Hope campaign here.

You can view the Barney to Beach route map here

Children

Although it's a great challenge for adult runners, Barney to Beach has also been designed with children and families in mind. Under 16s can can sign up to take part in the one-mile fun run through the dunes towards the beach at Crow Point (Under 5s should be accompanied by an adult). Registration can be done in advance or on the day at the event village adjacent to Crow Point Car Park.

Under 16s are also welcome to take part in the full event if accompanied by an adult.

Event Village

Because it's our birthday - and because everyone loves a party - we're really pulling out all the stops this year. Expect live music, refreshments, children's entertainment, and much more at our event village just 5 minutes' walk from the finish line. Watch this space for more details!

Barney to Beach in a nutshell

• Starts Barnstaple Pannier Market at 9am, Sunday 13th September 2026
• Children's Fun Run starts at 11am -  go to Crow Point Car Park at 9:30am to register/get your race number. The run will finish on the beach (ages 4-16).
• A medal for all finishers.
• Event Village near the finish with refreshments, entertainment and more
• Walkers welcome! Don’t fancy running? Then please join us as a walker...
• Transport: You can choose to leave your car parked at Sandy Lane and catch the coach into Barnstaple for the start of the race, or to leave your car in Barnstaple and catch the coach back at the end. Please indicate your preference when registering.
• Cut off time 1pm. Participants finishing after this time will officially no longer be part of the event.

We regret that the course is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs due to the nature of the terrain. If you have any questions about accessibility please contact [email protected].

We love dogs and they are welcome to join you, but only if you are walking the course - no dogs with runners please! 

Entry fees are non-refundable.

Friends and Family

Rally your friends and family to wave you off at the start - and then drive to Crow Point to drink tea and eat cake while waiting for you to finish - to celebrate your success! Parking is available at Crow Point just a short walk from the event village - small toll applies.

Sponsorship

Will you help us raise £20,000 to support local families in need? Join our 20 Years of Hope campaign and get sponsored to complete Barney to Beach. 

Details on how to collect sponsorship both online and in person can be found here.