Race Across Dorset
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Race Across Dorset
The Race Across Dorset is an ultra marathon event that traverses the county of Dorset, taking participants from the northern border down to the coast. The event offers three distinct point-to-point distances:
- 100 km
- 50 km
- 18 miles (The Purbeck Traverse)
The 100 km route begins at Summerlands Camping in Coombe Bissett and follows a path through rolling chalk downland, farmland, and an ancient Roman road. Participants pass burial mounds and the Saxon town of Wareham. To participate in the 100 km category, runners must have completed a trail marathon within the 24 months prior to the event.
The 50 km distance starts at Charisworth Farm, south of Blandford, joining the second half of the long-distance course. The 18 mile option, known as the Purbeck Traverse, begins at Bere Regis and follows the final section of the route to the common finish point.
The course is designed with minimal road sections and utilizes private routes through special permissions. Runners encounter varied terrain including lowland heath, pine forests, and multiple climbs over the Purbeck ridges. The route passes landmarks such as the River Frome and Corfe Castle before concluding at Kimmeridge, overlooking the English Channel and the Jurassic Coast.
The event provides fully marked routes, though carrying a GPX file is mandatory. Aid stations are positioned along the course, and finishers receive medals and trophies. Organizers also offer bookable transport options and require participants to carry items from a mandatory kit list. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
