Where exactly does the race start?

Both races start at Swanage Downs in Swanage, Dorset. Full directions and parking information are included in the pre-race information pack sent to all registered runners the week before the event.

Is the course fully marked?

Yes. The course is marked with arrows and coloured tape throughout. Runners are strongly encouraged to download the GPX file and load it onto their device before race day as a backup.

Is there parking in Swanage on race day?

Parking is available in Swanage town centre car parks. We strongly recommend arriving early as the town can get busy on Sunday mornings in September. Detailed parking guidance is provided in the pre-race information pack.

What if I need to withdraw during the race?

If you need to retire during the race, please inform the nearest marshal immediately. Do not leave the course without notifying the race team. A sweep team follows behind the final runner.

Do I receive a finisher's medal?

Yes. Every runner who completes either the Purbeck Marathon or the Purbeck 16 receives a finisher's medal.

Can I run with a dog or a running buggy?

No. For the safety of all runners and given the nature of the trail terrain, dogs and running buggies are not permitted on either course.

Will there be a photographer on the course?

Yes. A photographer will be at key points on the course and at the finish line. Photos will be made available to runners after the event via a link shared by email.

What should I do if I have a medical condition to declare?

Please declare any relevant medical conditions when completing your registration form. If you have concerns in the days before the race, contact us via the Contact page and we will ensure the race team is aware.

Race Information — 20 September 2026

Purbeck Marathon Race Information 2026

Everything you need to prepare for race day. Route maps, event details, kit requirements, race day schedule and more — for both the Purbeck Marathon and the Purbeck 16.

Register Now — From £50

View Route Maps



Race Day

Sunday 20 September 2026



Marathon Start

9:00am — 26.67 miles



Purbeck 16 Start

9:30am — 16.9 miles



Location

Swanage Downs, Dorset



Cutoff (Marathon)

7 hours 11 minutes

Choose Your Distance

Two Distances. One Extraordinary Route.

Both races follow the same Jurassic Coast route through the Purbeck Hills. The marathon covers the full 26.67 miles, while the Purbeck 16 offers a 16.9-mile challenge that is demanding but achievable for runners with trail half-marathon experience. Not sure which is right for you? The guidance below should help.

The Purbeck Marathon

Old Harry’s Route

Distance

26.67 miles

Elevation

3,486 ft

Start Time

9:00am

Cutoff

7hr 11min

Entry From

£50

Min Age

18 years

The full marathon route takes in the complete sweep of the Jurassic Coast. Starting in Swanage, you will climb into the Purbeck Hills, run beneath the ruins of Corfe Castle, pass through Tyneham or out to views of Old Harry’s rocks, and follow the coastal cliff path home. A serious trail marathon requiring trail running experience and proper preparation.

Register for the Marathon

The Purbeck 16

16-Mile Trail Race

Distance

16.9 miles

Elevation

2,122 ft

Start Time

9:30am

Cutoff

6 hours

Entry From

£40

Min Age

18 years

The Purbeck 16 covers 16.9 miles of the same stunning landscape in a format that is demanding but accessible for runners with trail half-marathon experience. It starts 30 minutes after the marathon, giving you a slightly more relaxed morning and a brilliant day on the Dorset coast.

Register for the 16

Not sure which to choose? If you have completed a trail half-marathon and are comfortable with elevation and uneven ground, the Purbeck 16 is an excellent choice. If you have trail marathon experience and are looking for a serious Jurassic Coast challenge, the full marathon is for you. Both distances are supported by the same team of experienced volunteers.

The Course

The Route: Jurassic Coast Trail Running

The marathon route — Old Harry’s Route — takes runners through some of the most remarkable landscapes in England. Starting in Swanage, the course follows the Jurassic Coast cliff path with views across the English Channel, climbs onto the Purbeck Hills, passes beneath the ruins of Corfe Castle, climbs again onto the Purbeck Hills and out to views of Old Harry’s rocks before heading back to finish on the seafront in Swanage. The Purbeck 16 covers a shorter but equally dramatic section of the same landscape.

Both routes are marked on the day. You are strongly encouraged to study the route in advance and load the GPX file onto your device before race morning.

The Essentials

Event Details at a Glance

Race Date

Sunday 20 September 2026

Marathon Start

9:00am

Purbeck 16 Start

9:30am

Start & Finish

Swanage Downs, Swanage, Dorset

Marathon Cutoff

7 hours 11 minutes (finish by 4:11pm)

Purbeck 16 Cutoff

6 hours (finish by 3:30pm)

Minimum Age

18 years on race day

Licence

TRA Licensed Event

First Aid

On course and at start/finish

Race Entry (Marathon)

£50 plus fees

Race Entry (Purbeck 16)

£40 plus fees

Your Pre-Race Calendar

Key Dates for Your Diary

Mark these dates now. Missing the early bird or the registration deadline means paying more or missing out entirely.

Tuesday
31 March 2026

Early Bird Booking Ends

Sign up by midnight on 31 March to take advantage of the early bird entry fee. After this date the standard entry price applies. Early bird registration is available while places last.

Sunday
6 September 2026

Registration Closes

Registration closes at midnight on Sunday 6 September. Do not leave it to the last minute — this event has a strong track record of selling out before the deadline. If you are thinking about it, register now.

Saturday
19 September 2026

Bib Collection, Swanage

Collect your race bib at the Planet Purbeck Festival on Shore Road, Swanage, on the afternoon of Saturday 19 September. Meet the team, learn about the charity partners, and soak up the atmosphere the evening before race day. Bibs are also available at the race start between 7:30am and 8:30am on race morning if you cannot make the Saturday collection.

Sunday
20 September 2026

Race Day — 26.67 Miles Awaits

Marathon starts at 9:00am, Purbeck 16 at 9:30am. Both races start and finish at Swanage Downs. See the Race Day Schedule above for full timing. Arrive no later than 8:00am for the marathon, 8:30am for the Purbeck 16.

September
2027 (TBC)

The Purbeck Marathon 2027

Go again. The Purbeck Marathon returns in 2027. Provisional date: Sunday 19 September 2027. Registration details will be announced after the 2026 event.

Travel and Parking

Getting to Swanage for Race Day

Swanage is a beautiful seaside town on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, reached by road through Wareham or Corfe Castle, or by the Swanage Railway steam train. Arrive early on race morning — car parks fill quickly in September.



By Car

Reach Swanage via the A351 from Wareham, passing through Corfe Castle village — a fitting arrival for the Purbeck Marathon. Race day parking is available at several town centre car parks. Arrive by 7:45am at the latest for the marathon start. Detailed parking guidance including a race-day map is provided in the pre-race information pack.



By Train and Bus

The nearest mainline station is Wareham, served by South Western Railway from London Waterloo and Bournemouth. From Wareham, the Purbeck Breezer bus runs to Swanage via Corfe Castle. The Swanage Railway also operates heritage steam trains from Norden to Swanage — a memorable way to arrive. Check timetables closer to race day.



On Race Morning

Aim to arrive at Swanage Downs no later than 8:00am for the marathon (8:30am for the Purbeck 16). This gives you time to register, drop your bag, warm up properly, and attend the race briefing without feeling rushed. A calm pre-race morning is a better pre-race morning.

Kit Requirements

Mandatory Kit — What You Must Carry

The Purbeck Marathon and Purbeck 16 take place on remote trail terrain in September. Weather on the Jurassic Coast can change quickly, and sections of the course are far from road access. The mandatory kit list exists to keep you safe. Kit checks may be carried out at the start line or on the course.



Running Vest or Belt

Required for carrying water, food, and emergency kit comfortably over a long distance on trail terrain. Handheld bottles alone are not sufficient for a race of this length and remoteness.



Capacity to Carry 500ml of Water

You must be able to carry at least 500ml of water at all times. Checkpoints provide water but stretches between them can be lengthy, particularly on the marathon route.



GPS Device with Route Pre-Loaded

A phone, GPS watch, or dedicated device with the route loaded gives you an independent navigation backup. Download the GPX file before race day. Course markings can be affected by weather and other walkers.



Fully Charged Mobile Phone

Needed for emergency contact on the course. Ensure it is fully charged before the start — do not rely solely on a GPS watch. Signal on parts of the course may be limited.



Foil Blanket

Emergency thermal shelter in the event of injury, illness, or unexpected weather on the exposed cliff sections. Lightweight and compact — there is no reason to leave it behind.



Whistle

Standard trail safety requirement. Used to attract attention in an emergency when voice alone may not carry far enough in wind or on exposed coastal terrain.

Also Worth Packing

Recommended Items

Not mandatory, but strongly recommended based on the nature of the Purbeck course and typical September conditions on the Dorset coast.



Trail Running Shoes

The course includes loose and rocky trail, muddy paths, and steep descents. Road running shoes are not appropriate. Trail-specific footwear with good grip is strongly recommended for safety and comfort.



Technical Running Clothing

Synthetic or merino wool kit that wicks sweat and retains warmth when wet. Avoid cotton. September on the Purbeck coast can be warm, cold, wet, or all three within the same morning.



Sufficient Fuel — Gels, Chews, Real Food

Plan your nutrition in advance. The marathon will take most runners between 5 and 7 hours. Carry more than you think you will need — running low on energy on a remote coastal cliff path is not the time to wish you had packed another gel.

Got Questions?

Race Day Questions Answered

The most common race logistics questions, answered. For anything not covered here, the Contact page is the next step.

How long is the Purbeck Marathon route?

The Purbeck Marathon is actually 26.67 miles (more than a marathon distance). We also offer the Purbeck 16, which is actually 16.9 miles of the same Jurassic Coast route and starts an hour later than the marathon.

How long is the Purbeck 16 route?

The Purbeck 16 route is actually 16.9 miles ( we always give you more ). The distance is determines by the natural public footpaths. The Purbeck 16 covers 16.9 miles of the same Jurassic Coast route but has one less major hill climb than the Marathon route and starts later in the morning.

What is the cut-off time for the marathon?

The cut-off time for the Purbeck Marathon is 7 hours and 11 minutes from the start. All runners must have crossed the finish line by the designated time. The race starts at 9am from Swanage.

Where does the race start and finish?

Both the Purbeck Marathon and the Purbeck 16 start on the downs above the Broad Road Car Park and finish on Sand Pitt field on the sea front in Swanage, Dorset. Full start location details, including parking information, are provided in the Race Information pack sent to all registered runners.

Is the Purbeck Marathon suitable for beginners?

The course is a genuine challenge — with 1,059 metres of elevation gain and rugged trail terrain, it is not recommended as a first marathon although some novices have completed the course. However, runners with trail experience who have trained for the distance will find it achievable and immensely rewarding. The Purbeck 16 is an excellent introduction.

What mandatory kit is required?

As a TRA-licensed trail event, runners are required to carry specific mandatory kit for safety on the course. The full mandatory kit list is available on the Race Information page. We recommend reviewing it well in advance of race day.

Where do the entry fees go?

All profits from entry fees are donated to charities and organisations nominated by our volunteers and also to our three local charity partners: Planet Purbeck, Dementia Friendly Purbeck, and St Edward’s Corfe Castle. The event is entirely volunteer-run, so operational costs are kept to a minimum.

When is the registration deadline?

The registration deadline is 13 September 2026. We strongly recommend registering early, as places are limited and the event has a strong history of selling out ahead of the deadline.

Have a question we have not answered? Contact us →

Enter The Race

Ready to Run the Jurassic Coast?

Places are still available for the Purbeck Marathon and the Purbeck 16 on 20 September 2026. Register now and join a community of runners on one of the most beautiful trail routes in England — while raising money for the communities you run through.

Register Now — 20 September 2026

Marathon from £50 | Purbeck 16 from £40 | All profits to local charity