Slow and Dirty
Sturminster Newton, United Kingdom • 20 Dec 2026
Slow and Dirty
The Slow and Dirty is a level 19 km trail race held along the hard surface of a former railway line. The route follows a branch that ran from Bath to Bournemouth through Dorset and Somerset, historically known as the Somerset and Dorset or the S and D.
The railway line closed in 1966 and was reopened in 2013 as a leisure path for cyclists, runners, walkers and horse riders. The course is fully marked with direction markers and signs every kilometre. The first aid station is at Stourpaine sports club, where toilets are available. A second aid station is located in the meadows behind M and S in Blandford. There is parking at both sites.
Starting at Sturminster Newton, the route follows the River Stour valley and passes restored Shillingstone station and the Georgian town of Blandford. The finish is a few hundred metres from The Shack bar at Clapcotts Farm in Spetisbury, where parking is available and the bar offers drinks, snacks and coffee. Prebooked transport costing £12 is available between finish and start.
The event is presented as a not too serious family occasion with a festive twist. Organizers welcome runners of all abilities and permit dogs and buggies. Finishers receive a medal, a festive mulled drink or cider and a mince pie. The surface is firm and the route has minimal incline. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.