Are you looking to improve your fitness or perhaps raise some money for charity. There are lots of different running events in Dorset that happen through the year to choose from. Whatever your motivation, why not enjoy your chosen running event with the amazing scenery and views that Dorset has to offer.
Do you want to take part in Parkrun in Dorset? Or perhaps you’re looking for more Parkrun locations. We’ve got you covered here as well. Parkrun takes place on a Saturday morning in various locations.
- Dorset Running Events In January
- Dorset Running Events In February
- Dorset Running Events In March
- Dorset Running Events In April
- Dorset Running Events In May
- Dorset Running Events In June
- Dorset Running Events In August
- Dorset Running Events In September
- Dorset Running Events In October
- Dorset Running Events In November
- Dorset Running Events In December
- Parkrun Dorset Locations
Dorset Running Events In January
Dark Moors 2025
Date: 11th January 2025
Dark Moors is set within the grounds of Moors Valley Country Park. You have the chance to run around the trails and woods in the dark.
There are 5-mile and 10-mile races to choose from, with the chance to test out running around in the dark in a safe environment and with a friendly atmosphere. You can even compete in both races if you want the extra challenge.
Dorset Running Events In February
Portland Coastal Marathon
Date: 11th February 2024
The Portland Coastal Marathon will be taking place from the iconic Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy on Sunday 11th February 2024.
Along with the full distance event there will be a Half marathon and a 10k so all abilities can take part in this festival of running.
TEC Lulworth Cove Trail Running Challenge
Date: 24th February 2024
Are you ready to take on either the Ultra Marathon, Marathon, Half Marathon or 10k? All four races take place across the stunning hills of the Jurassic Coastline between Lulworth Cove and Weymouth.
Dorset Running Events In March
Mapperton Muddle
Date: 23rd March 2024
There will be a 10k and a half marathon hosted at Mapperton Gardens in March. Hosted by White Star Running.
Bournemouth Bay Run
Date: 23rd March 2025
The Bournemouth Bay run has distances starting at the 1k kids fun run, right through to the half marathon. Races begin at Bournemouth Pier and routes divert from here depending on your chosen distance.
Bournemouth Bay Run is partnered with the British Heart Foundation.
Dorset Running Events In April
Dorset Running Events In May
Hardy Half
Date: 12th May 2024
The Dorchester half marathon takes place across farmland and the iconic Hardy monument. The race will start and finish at Dorchester Rugby Club, and there will also be plenty of family friendly activities taking place.
Dorset Mud Run
Date: 18th May 2024
Dorset’s newest running challenge is 6km in distance and packed with mud, scenery and the best slide at the end.
After your run, there’s a bar and refreshments on offer to continue your day.
Dorset Running Events In June
Race For Life Poole
Date: 1st June 2024
Choose from a 3k, 5k or a 10k distance raising money for Cancer Research. Your journey takes you through the stunning Poole Park and Baiter.
Pretty Muddy Poole
Date: 1st June 2024
If you fancy something different and don’t mind getting a bit muddy, then the Pretty Muddy in Poole is a great way to raise some money for charity.
You can scramble over the A-frame and crawl through the mud pit. The 5k distance disappears in a flash with all the fun obstacles you encounter on your route.
Race For Life Bournemouth
Date: Sunday 16th June 2024
A 5k walk, run or jog raising money for Cancer Research. Your journey takes you from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier and back again.
Dorset Running Events In August
Sturminster Newton Half Marathon
Date: 11th August 2024 (TBC)
As well as a half marathon, you’ll find a 5k and children’s races too. The half marathon takes place along open roads and has a time limit of three hours.
Dorset Running Events In September
Dorset Running Events In October
Challenge 23
Date: 2024 TBC
10k, Full and Half Marathon
Heading out along The Fleet, the course follows coastal national trails and bridal paths to Abbotsbury, passing the Swannery, Monastery and St Catharine’s chapel (Half way point for the half marathon). Half marathon returns back along the fleet with fantastic views towards Portland.
The second leg involves a tough climb out toward the mid-point refreshment stop just after Hardy’s Monument at Smitten Corner. This is the highest point on the course. From here there is a steady trek along the ridge-line before dropping down the valley to Upwey Wishing Well.
The final leg involves a short climb back up out of the valley onto the opposite ridge-line towards Corton Gap before heading back for lunch at the finish in Bagwell Farm Touring Park, via the outskirts of Buckland Ripers.
Run Bournemouth
Date: 13th October 2024
Choose your distance from a junior 1.5k right up to a half marathon. You can run past Bournemouth Pier towards Boscombe Pier and through the Bournemouth Gardens depending on your chosen route.
The Stickler
Date: 2024 TBC
The Stickler is a 10.1 mile multi terrain race in Dorset. You can expect views along Stour Valley, Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon.
Dorset Running Events In November
Dark Valley 2023
Dates: 18th November 2023
Dark Valley is set within the grounds of Moors Valley Country Park, offering a fantastic chance to run around the trails and woods in the dark!
There will be a single-loop 10K option and a double-loop half-marathon option to choose from. Bright colours and colourful lights are encouraged; head torch or chest torch is mandatory – there are no lights in the woods!
RNLI Reindeer Run At Moors Valley
Date: 19th November 2023
Join Rookie the Reindeer and team this November at Moors Valley Country Park for the annual RNLI Reindeer Run! Choose from a 10K, 5K or 1K Santa Saunter and help raise vital funds for the RNLI.
All participants will receive a Reindeer Run medal on completion of their run and prizes will be given to the first male and female in the 5K and 10K runs.
Dorset Running Events In December
Mapperton Muddle
Date: 9th December 2023
There will be a 10k and a half marathon hosted at Mapperton Gardens in December. Hosted by White Star Running. Details will be released later this year.
Parkrun Dorset Locations
- Bournemouth Parkrun, Kings Park, Bournemouth, BH7 6JD
- Poole Parkrun, Poole Park, Dorset
- Upton House Parkrun, BH17 7BJ
- Durlston Country Park Parkrun, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL
- Weymouth Parkrun, Lodmoor Country Park, DT4 7SX
- Dorchester Parkrun, The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 2FG
- St. Mary’s Parkrun, Bridport, DT6 5LA
- Blandford Parkrun, Jubilee Way, Blandford, Dorset, DT11 7DD
- Moors Valley Parkrun, Horton road, Ashley Heath, Nr. Ringwood, Dorset, BH24 2ET
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