Giants Head Marathon Weekend

WEEKEND 20TH / 21ST JUNE 2026

Welcome to the amazing Giants Head Marathon Weekend! This incredibly popular event has won several awards for Britain’s Best Marathon over the years and received a Gold Award in 2025. So what makes it so special? We take over the village of Sydling St Nicholas for the weekend, with the villagers welcoming the runners and making you part of the community! This unique combination works incredibly well and we are thrilled to bring you such an exciting programme.

DESCRIPTION

This event weekend provides something for all the family, with the Marathon and 10K on the Saturday, a barn dance in the village hall for those who can still walk on Saturday evening, and then the brilliantly fun LittleFeet Bell Race and Half Marathon on the Sunday.

The LittleFeet Bell Race challenges anyone, children included, to reach the top of the hill and complete a task set by a team member. Then, you run down the hill with your bell clonking away like an Alpine Cow!

All routes are challenging and hilly, running through the Sydling and Cerne valleys. It's certainly not for the faint hearted; it's a tough race, with some steep climbs, sharp descents and the most amazing views to reward yourself with.

The village will once again be providing food for you on Friday and Saturday evening. These options can be booked alongside your event entry.

LOCATION

Sydling St. Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9NP

DISTANCES & PRICES

SATURDAY RACES

Marathon - £52

10K - £32

SUNDAY RACES

Half Marathon - £42

LittleFeet Bell Race - £10

*Those wishing to run in the LittleFeet Bell race will be required to register via the ticket below. No payment will be required until the day of the event. Payment can be made at registration. Only cash will be accepted on the day.

*LittleFeet Bell Race entrants DO NOT receive a finishers medal

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CANICROSS ENTRIES AT THIS EVENT

CAMPING

Camping will be available on the Friday and Saturday nights for those wishing to join us for the weekend. Price is based on family of 4.

Toilet facilities will be available in the camping field, with showers available at the village hall.

1 x Camping Pitch ( 2 x Small tents, 1 x Large tent or 1 x campervan) - £30

* No electric hook up available

* Camping ticket allows you to camp on Friday and Saturday nights

EVENING MEALS

Evening meals are available to pre order for the Friday and Saturday

FRIDAY MEALS

Pasta Dish Adult - £12

Pasta Dish Child - £6.50 (12 years and under)

*VEGETARIAN OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE

SATURDAY MEALS

Chilli Dish Adult - £12

Chilli Dish Child - £6.50 (12 years and under)

*VEGETARIAN OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE

REGISTRATION

Registration and race bib collection will be available from the Registration tent in the start/finish area

Friday - All Races - 17:30 to 20:30

Saturday - Marathon - 07:30 to 08:30

Saturday - 10K - 09:00 to 10:00

Sunday - Half Marathon - 09:15 to 10:15

Sunday - LittleFeet Bell Race - 08:00 to 08:45

RACE START TIMES

SATURDAY RACES

Marathon - 09:00

10K - 10:30

SUNDAY RACES

LittleFeet Bell Race - 09:00

Half Marathon - 10:30

MANDATORY KIT

All runners will be required to carry at least 500ml of fluid with them. Most will have hydration vests but handheld soft flasks will be permitted.

As weather is changeable, especially in winter, runners are advised to also wear (and carry) appropriate clothing for the conditions.

We also strongly advise runners to download the GPX file of the route onto a wearable watch or mobile device. Although this is a marked course event, arrows can be tampered with, so a good understanding of the route is advisable.

BAG DROP

A bag drop tent will be available on each race day

CUT OFF TIMES

Marathon - 7.5 Hours

Half Marathon - 4 Hours

10K - No Cut Off

LittleFeet Bell Race - No Cut Off

EVENT T-SHIRTS

Giants Head Marathon Weekend T-Shirts are available to Pre-Order only. These can then be collected from Event HQ over the weekend of the event.

*T-Shirt order will be placed on 09/05/26

TREES NOT TEES

We work with the Trees Not Tees organization. Runners can opt to have a tree planted instead of receiving a finishers medal

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

WHAT YOU GET

* Challenging trail run

* Incredible views and scenery

* Fully marked course

* Well stocked aid stations

* Bespoke finishers medal

* Friendly enthusiastic volunteers

* Energetic and fun atmosphere

* On course photographers

* Excellent value for money

* Satisfaction guaranteed

Description supplied by the event organiser.