Dorchester Half Marathon & 10km 2026

Runners, joggers and walkers, welcome to the Dorchester Half Marathon and 10km! Everyone is invited to take part, from first timers to experienced runners, and supporters are welcome to come along and cheer. This year there are two routes to choose from, with the 10km exploring the town and the half marathon heading out into the countryside.

Sign up to chase a personal goal, raise money for a favourite charity or enjoy a morning run with friends.

Here’s everything you need to know about the event and how to get involved this October.

Half Marathon Event

Sunday 4 October brings a relaxed, friendly day of running through Dorset’s county town. The half marathon and the 10km both start and finish at Dorchester Cricket Club, and every finisher gets an official time. Runners, walkers and Jeffers (those who mix running and walking) are all welcome, and the event is open to anyone aged 12 to 90.

Entry is £30.00 or £22.50, and you choose at entry whether you would like a medal.

For parking, head to Fairfield Car Park – DT1 2EN, and the what3words address for the event is vegetable.begin.sulked – a short walk down to the start line at the Cricket Club.

The Route

Both races start and finish in the same spot, on the south side of Dorchester, just up from the Tesco store. The route is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of abilities with the routes mainly being on pavements and cycle paths. Here’s what to expect from each one.

The Dorchester Half Marathon

If you fancy getting out into the countryside, the half marathon is the one for you. The route heads east from the start and follows the edge of town round to the north, before crossing the Frome water meadows up to Charminster.

From there you run along the road through Wrackleford towards Stratton, the furthest point out, then turn at Bradford Peverell for the long stretch back along the valley towards town. The last few miles take you along the top of Poundbury and through the west side of Dorchester, where you join the 10k route for the final run into the finish.

Most of the race is out in open country and quiet villages, with the town sections at the beginning and end, so you get a good mix of both.

The Dorchester 10km

The 10km stays in town the whole way round. You start with a loop through the streets south west of the start, then head across the south side of Dorchester towards Poundbury.

Once you’re there, you do a full lap of Poundbury, along the southern edge by the main road, up the west side, round the top and back through the middle. From Poundbury the route brings you back east along the roads south of the town centre to the finish.

With plenty of turns and a lap of Poundbury in the middle, the 10km is a good pick if you’re new to racing or want something shorter and closer to home.

Here’s the full details and map of both the Half Marathon & 10km routes: https://ridewithgps.com/events/481006-dorchester-half-and-10km

Best Place to Watch The Dorchester Half Marathon

For the best atmosphere, head to the cricket club. Both races start and finish here, so you will see everyone set off and come home. Poundbury is another good choice, as 10km runners do a full lap here and half marathon runners pass along the top in their final few miles. If you are supporting someone on the half marathon and fancy a change of scene, make your way out towards Charminster or the Frome water meadows and cheer them on through the countryside section.

How to Enter The Dorchester Dorchester Half Marathon & 10km

Absolutely anyone who is willing to take on the challenge can enter the Dorchester Half Marathon and 10km. Just head over to the event’s main website where you can pick your distance and book your tickets.

Visiting Dorchester in October

Autumn is a lovely time to visit the county town. The trees turn colour, the evenings draw in and there is plenty going on as the season changes, from the Dorchester Literary Festival to Halloween events around town. Find out more about what’s on in Dorchester on the Discover Dorchester website.

While you are here, take a look at the spooky displays in the town centre, then head into a local café for a seasonal pumpkin spice or settle in for a hearty Sunday roast. After a half marathon, you have earned one!

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