The 39th running of the Grizzly and Cub races starts at 10.30am on Sunday 14 March 2027 on Seaton Esplanade, on the East Devon coast. It is a running race, not a walk, and runners should expect it to take about as long as a road marathon, and longer if conditions underfoot are grim.
The course
The full Grizzly is 20 miles with more than 3,000 ft of ascent. The shorter Cub is 9 miles. Both leave the seafront along Seaton beach, come back along the Esplanade and climb the hill to Beer, then go over Beer Head and down to Branscombe. There the routes split: the Cub crosses a cold river, runs a mile of beach and climbs the “Stairway to Heaven” cliff path before returning to Seaton. The Grizzly carries on over more hills and through two bogs before joining the same return route. In total the course takes in two sections of pebble beach and well over a mile of shingle.
More than 300 marshals line the route. The race is cup-free, so runners carry a bladder pack or a reusable cup to fill on the course. The race is run by local volunteers for no profit, and net proceeds go to local groups and charities.
Visitor Information
Dates: Sunday 14 March 2027, 10.30am start.
Cost: The 2027 race has sold out. Runner places were allocated by ballot, and the 2027 fees are £42 (affiliated) or £44 (non-affiliated) for the Grizzly and £29 or £31 for the Cub, plus a booking fee. Places can be transferred until 28 February. The organisers say on the RaceNation entry page that places do become available closer to the event and are advertised on the Grizzly 2027 Transfers Facebook page, which will be available from 1 December.
Getting there: The start and finish are on the Esplanade in Seaton. Race headquarters is at the Gateway in Seaton.
Spectators: Free to watch. The Esplanade in Seaton is the place to see the start and the finish.
Where to Stay
Seaton is the start and finish town, and the course passes through Beer and Branscombe. Browse places to stay near Seaton.
