UP to 700 competitors are expected to take part in what are claimed to be two of extreme sport’s toughest challenges when this year’s Exmoor Running and Walking Festival kicks off on the weekend of June 19 to 21.

But, the organisers warn entries for both events close at midnight on Friday (June 12) and no further vacancies will be available.

Organised by Minehead’s Channel Events, the fun starts on Friday night with a sunset swim at Pinkery Pond in preparation for Saturday’s historic Exmoor Perambulation, which dates 700 years to the time of King Edward I and is a long-distance run or walk of 15 or 30 miles around the original boundary of the Royal Forest.

A spokesperson for the organisers said: “The perambulation can be completed as a long-distance walk, run as an ultra-marathon, or as a wild trail run.

“The event is largely over private land and is self-navigating, so entrants need to be competent map readers.

“Because of the toughness of the course, we limit the field to 500.

“The day finishes with a social around the campfire.”

The 11th ‘Man v Moor’ will complete the rugged weekend on the Sunday.

Using the natural obstacles of the landscape, competitors run, scramble, tunnel through caves, and swim across Pinkery Pond, following 5k, 10k, or 10-mile routes.

Numbers are capped to 200 for this event and competitors are made aware of dangers which include rough and remote terrain, sudden weather changes, open water hazards ,and problems navigating the course.

Specialist clothing and footwear is advised.

Strict safety precautions are observed and the event is monitored by Exmoor Search and Rescue teams.

Basic camping and bunkhouse accommodation is available on site and is bookable through the Channel Events website - early booking is advisable, especially for the bunkhouse.