THE HARDY HALF

About The Races Race Day Our Causes

Trail Running · Dorset · Community

THE

HARDY

HALF.

Two distances. One beautiful landscape. A whole lot of Hardy.

9 MAY 2027 | DORCHESTER, DORSET

DISCOVER YOUR CHALLENGE

5 MILES The Half Hardy Half

13.1 MILES The Original Hardy Half

LOCAL IMPACT Running for good causes

Welcome to Hardy Country

A race with a story to tell.

Step into the Dorset countryside that inspired one of England's greatest writers, Thomas Hardy, and discover a trail-running event with a character all of its own.

The Hardy Half and the Half Hardy Half take runners through a fantastic landscape of rolling countryside, rural trails and challenging terrain. This is your opportunity to get outdoors, test yourself and experience the beauty of Hardy country on foot.

Whether you're chasing a personal best, tackling your first trail race or simply looking for a memorable day out, there's a distance to suit you.

And the best part? Every step helps support local charities and good causes.

Choose Your Challenge

Two races. One Hardy spirit.

Different distances, the same fantastic atmosphere. Which Hardy challenge will you take on?

The shorter challenge

The Half Hardy Half

5 MILES

Don't let the name fool you. The Half Hardy Half delivers a proper countryside adventure in a shorter distance.

Perfect for runners wanting to try trail running, return to racing or take on a new challenge without committing to the full half marathon.

Expect beautiful scenery, varied trails and the same welcoming Hardy Half atmosphere from start to finish.

The original challenge

The Original Hardy Half

13.1 MILES

Ready for the full Hardy experience? Take on the original half marathon and discover a challenging route through the Dorset countryside.

With approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain, this course combines rewarding trails, demanding climbs and the satisfaction of earning every mile.

It's a test of determination, a celebration of the outdoors and a finish you'll be proud of.

More Than Miles

Made for runners. Powered by community.

We want every runner to enjoy the challenge, feel supported along the way and finish with a smile.

01 / THE ROUTE

Proper trail running

Enjoy the character of the Dorset countryside, with predominantly off-road routes, varied terrain and rewarding views. The half marathon includes around 1,400 feet of climbing.

02 / THE SUPPORT

We've got your back

With a generous cut-off time, aid stations and entertainment along the routes, we aim to help runners of different abilities enjoy their race.

03 / THE ATMOSPHERE

A finish to remember

Start and finish at Dorchester Rugby Club and soak up the buzz of our event village. Celebrate your achievement, support fellow runners and enjoy the spirit of the Hardy Half.

The Heart of Race Day

Meet us at the event village.

The action begins and ends at Dorchester Rugby Club, where our event village brings runners, supporters, volunteers and the wider community together.

It's the place to soak up the atmosphere before the start, cheer on friends and family, and refuel after tackling your chosen distance.

With road closures planned for selected sections of the route and entertainment to encourage runners along the way, we're working to make race day a memorable experience.

Running for a Reason

Local miles. Local good causes.

The Hardy Half is about more than crossing the finish line. It's about bringing people together and making a positive difference in the communities we call home.

The event is a joint venture between four local organisations, combining their people, passion and community spirit to deliver a memorable day of running and fundraising.

Dorchester RIOT Running Club

Dorchester Lions

Dorchester Rugby Football Club

Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club

Funds raised through the event support local charities and good causes. By taking part, volunteering or supporting a runner, you're helping us make a difference close to home.

We're proud of what our community can achieve together and hope the Hardy Half remains a much-loved fixture in Dorset's running and fundraising calendar for years to come.

Your countryside. Your challenge. Your community.

It's only for the Hardy!

Lace up your shoes, embrace the hills and discover the countryside that inspired Thomas Hardy. Choose your distance and join us for a fantastic day of trail running and local fundraising.

FIND YOUR RACE

THE HARDY HALF · 9 MAY 2027

Dorchester, Dorset · Running together for local good causes

Description supplied by the event organiser.