Great West Run

The Great West Run showcases Exeter's compact charm and Devon's rolling countryside. Runners begin in the historic city center, passing the magnificent cathedral before venturing into surrounding villages and rural landscapes. October's autumn colors create a spectacular backdrop as participants navigate a challenging course featuring significant hills that showcase Devon's undulating terrain. The route perfectly balances urban history with rural tranquility in this often-overlooked regional capital. Local spectators bring genuine West Country warmth, creating an atmosphere that balances serious competition with relaxed southwestern English hospitality. This race captures Devon's distinctive character—historically significant yet naturally beautiful—offering both athletic challenge and cultural immersion in an English region where centuries of history blend seamlessly with some of Britain's most spectacular countryside just beyond the city limits.