Race Across Dorset is an Ultra Marathon, which as its name implies, takes runners from one side of the glorious county of Dorset to the other.

Initially started in 2022, I have taken a short break from organising the event, as it was such a huge undertaking, and I felt I was not able to do the concept justice, but now due to pressure from runners and far more help and experience on board we are set to come back with a bang in 2026!

The new format event features extended distances of 75 and 50k as well as a new event 'The Purbeck Traverse' that gives non-ultra runners a bit of the action, taking in the final 18 miles from Bere Regis to the common finish point at Kimmeridge. The full 75 starts at Summerlands Camping just over the county border at Coombe Bissett, and the 50k starts at Charisworth Farm, just south of Blandford.

We will have fabulous trophies and medals, great aid stations and bookable transport. The route will be fully marked and GPX files available (and compulsory). The route is quite unique in having minimal road sections and crossing points, the 75k route passes through only a handful of small villages and the beautiful walled Saxon town of Wareham on its 62 mile odyssey. To achieve this special permissions have been granted to access various private routes.

The route has several good hills, which will test runners, but also provide some amazing vistas. Bizarrely, in the right conditions you can see the Purbeck Hills in the very far distance from the starting point! The challenge is big, the rewards are unmatched. The first half is largely over rolling chalk downland, where mile upon mile of unbroken farmland stretches in all directions. You will follow what may seem an endless Roman road, past burial mounds and quaint villages. Once at the halfway point (or start for the 50k) the Purbeck Hills are very clear, welcoming or menacing, I will leave you to judge!

The second half starts with a welcoming cruise down off the chalk escarpment, almost to the point where you join with the route of the Purbeck Traverse. From here you will head over mile upon mile of beautiful lowland heath and pine forest, then over the river Frome and through Wareham. The route continues gently but at East Creech the fun starts! A challenging climb takes you up on the first Purbeck ridge, but with views almost back to the start, Poole Harbour and possibly the IOW will reward you. The real buzz comes as you approach Corfe Castle, looking down on a view that you normally look up at! Now for a short dash over Corfe Common but soon the final hill kicks in and once again you push hard to crest Purbecks final ridge. As you head west towards the finishing point at Kimmeridge the views of the English Channel and Jurasic coast will provide you with a visual reward unequaled in any race!

Race Key Points

* Date May 24th

* Distances 75k, 50k and 18 miler

*To undertake the 75k runners must have completed a trail marathon in the past 24 months.

*Mandatory kit list.

*Bookable transport

*GPX Files available and mandatory

Description supplied by the event organiser.