The Purbeck Marathon
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The Purbeck Marathon 2026
The Purbeck Marathon 2026 is a volunteer-run, TRA licensed trail event on 20 September 2026 in Swanage, Dorset. Both races follow sections of the Jurassic Coast and pass notable landmarks such as the Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle, Tyneham, and Old Harry’s rocks. The course finishes on the Swanage seafront.
Two distances are offered:
- 26.67 miles Marathon, 3,486 ft elevation, cutoff 7 hours 11 minutes
- 16.9 miles Purbeck 16, 2,122 ft elevation, cutoff 6 hours
The event is organised entirely by volunteers and operates with a stated policy that all profits are donated to local Purbeck charities. The named charity partners are Planet Purbeck, Dementia Friendly Purbeck, and St Edward’s Corfe Castle.
As a TRA licensed trail race, the organisers require mandatory safety kit. Key mandatory items listed for both races include a running vest or belt, capacity to carry at least 500 ml of water, a GPS device with the route pre-loaded, a fully charged mobile phone, an emergency foil blanket, and a whistle. First aid provision is available on course and at the start and finish.
Route GPX files and detailed race information are provided in advance. The course uses public footpaths and varied coastal terrain; runners are advised to prepare for uneven ground and significant elevation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
