Light | 5K of Fun
Sun 22 Jun 2025 Minehead, Somerset, UK

Man vs Moor | Light | 5K of Fun

Take on Exmoor’s toughest challenge over 5K and battle the elements in a most exclusive and challenging event combining running, scrambling, tunneling and optional swimming!

  • Sun 22 Jun 2025
Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning, Minehead

Light | 5K of Fun

10:00

Age 8 & over

£25

  • 5 km multi terrain running

Event overview

More than just an event

Run, walk, scramble, swim, tunnel.

Based on the ancient ‘Chains’ area of Exmoor, the routes take you through some of the most remote parts of Exmoor National Park. Each obstacle has been created naturally over time through the history and legacy of the moor. Run, walk, scramble, swim. and tunnel your way around your chosen distance of Exmoor awesomeness!

swim/run

Well, that was different! I’ve run many races but this one has to be the most fun, technical, surprising race I’ve ever encountered.

Sounds like a challenge?

Join the tribe and stay the night before to get acclimatised to the surroundings. Whilst you’re running, your family and friends can be making their way to viewpoints to keep their eye on your progress.

Your reward

Not only do you get to challenge yourself in this truly stunning environment, you get to share your experience with others while the organisers take care of your safety (and provides a brew and cake). Included in your entry are friendly marshals, checkpoints with water stations and a fabulous day! 

If you would like a physical momento of your day, you can purchase a finishers medal when booking your entry.  You will then receive a signature laser-engraved solid oak medal on a branded lanyard. Designed to be multi-use, use the medal as a coaster and the lanyard for your keys!

This event is part of Man vs Moor.

Event video

  • All fitness levels
  • Event village
  • Families
  • Fancy dress
  • Spectators

Timetable

  • 08.30 – 09:45 | Registration
  • 09:55 | Race briefing
  • 10:00 | Light Start
  • 10:05 | Ultimate Start
  • 10:10 | Classic Start
  • 12:00 | Kids Registration opens
  • 12:45 | Kids Briefing
  • 13:15 | Kids 1.5km Start

Ability level

No matter your running ability this event is fun for all!

Training

Some training is advisable. You'll get instant access to training guides when you enter.

Equipment

All entrants need to be appropriately equipped to deal with the weather conditions on the day. The event may be in July but Exmoor often has its own ideas! Clothing and shoes need to be appropriate for both running and swimming in the conditions of the day.

Shoe type

Trail shoes.

Please be mindful that the event takes place on remote rugged terrain and trail running shoes are strongly advised.

Swimming

The main event includes an open water swim of approximately 75 – 100 metres. You’ll need to swim in your running gear so please make sure that you are comfortable doing so.

For those who don’t wish to take part in the swim there is an alternative route that takes you to the next obstacle.

Included in your entry is a free acclimatisation swim at Pinkery Pond.

Spectators

Spectating is encouraged! A spectator guide will be available.

  • Accommodation
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Free parking
  • Rural
  • Toilets

Event HQ

Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning
Simonsbath
Minehead
Somerset
TA24 7LL
UK

Accommodation

There are 30 beds available in self-catering mixed dormitories at the Pinkery Centre and there is camping available in the field adjacent to the main building (you will need to provide your own camping equipment). Campers will have access to the outsite toilets only. Dorm rooms have an en-suite shower room and will have access to the communal kitchen.

There is access to the onsite kitchen for all entrants, but feel free to bring your own BBQ for the evening.

Bunkhouse accommodation can be booked for £10.00 per person per night (bring your own bedding) and camping can be booked for £7.50 per person per night.

Free refreshments

Before, during (for the supporters) and after the run, refreshments will be available free of charge in the main event HQ.

  • Distance markers
  • First aid
  • Marshals
  • Undulating
  • Water stations
  • Way markers

Overview

This might be the light version on distance but it still packs a punch when it comes to fun!

This route still takes you through some of the classic natural obstacles; ‘Pinkery Pinnacles’, ‘Short Combe Stumble’, ‘Green Mile’, ‘Dash, Splash and Thrash’, Total Blackout and Breakneck Combe! 

Route

  • You’ll introduce your legs and lungs with a scramble over the Pinkery Pinnacles and the technical Short Combe Stumble.
  • The Green Mile takes you from deep joy to deep bog before topping out near Chains Barrow.
  • Fast and flowing technical moorland running takes you to the downhill section know as the Hoaroak Hiatus – a steady section of good trail where you can absorb your stunning surroundings.
  • The Dash, Splash and Thrash across Pinkery Pond.
  • The Total Blackout obstacle takes you into the last section, Breakneck Combe, before the finish line comes into sight…

Sustainability

  • Bring your own cup
  • Sustainability policy

Optional extras

  • Bunkhouse accommodation - £10.00 per person per night (bring your own bedding)
  • Camping can be booked for £7.50 per person per night
  • Man vs Moor t-shirt

Photos

There will be a professional photographer on site so smile when you spot him. All the images will be available to buy after the event with all profits going to Exmoor Search and Rescue. Details will be given out on race day.

  • Age 8 & over
  • Entries open
  • Enter online

Any entrants under the age of 16 run with an adult on a ratio of 1:2. 16-18 year olds can run on their own with written and signed parental consent.

Entry fees

Entry fee

£25.00

Great fun event! Had it all - hills, scrambling, climbing, avoiding bogs and swimming through a lake! Totally different to any other event I’ve done. Would definitely recommend to others. Rhia K

Hands down the most fun run! Rachael K

THE MOST AMAZING RUN EVER!! This was my 4th Man vs Moor and it is my favourite event of the year. This is the sort of thing everyone should try, get out, get a bit wild and have some flipping fun doing so. The organisers are wonderful, and love the events more than anyone and that passion and happiness filters down through to the volunteers and the participants. I can't recommend it enough, and I'm not a big 'runner' person or fast, I just go for the sheer fun and enjoyment of the whole weekend! You'll see wild Moor, happy people, and a massive sense of achievement. Robert S

Well, that was different! I’ve run many races but this one has to be the most fun/technical/surprising race I’ve ever encountered. I wasn’t sure about the swim element but that ended up being my favourite part! The moors are evil. No question. But they bring you a sense of unparalleled achievement. I’m telling all who’ll listen! Nick G

Amazing amazing amazing 3rd year doing it. Best trail wild run around. Great location, great route, well marked, swim makes it. Great for all abilities and ages as can walk/run it and enjoy. Christina S

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

Other races at event

  • Sun 22 Jun
  • #1 of 4
Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning, Minehead

Kids 1.5K

13:15

Age 8 & over

£16

  • 1.5 km multi terrain running
  • Sun 22 Jun
  • #3 of 4
Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning, Minehead

Classic | 10K ‘ish‘

10:10

Age 8 & over

£25

  • 7.5 miles multi terrain running
  • Sun 22 Jun
  • #4 of 4
Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning, Minehead

Ultimate | The 10 Miler

10:05

Age 16 & over

£25

  • 10 miles multi terrain running