The Maverick Dark Castle Trail

The Maverick Dark Castle Trail, Corfe Castle

The event is a night trail run based at Corfe Castle in Dorset. Routes start from the castle area and run through the village of Corfe, across Corfe Common, past Church Knowle and up onto Knowle Hill with open views across the Purbeck landscape and distant lights of Poole Harbour. Runners will see Corfe Castle close to the course.

Three marked routes are offered:

• Long: 15 km, +243 m
• Middle: 11 km, +225 m
• Short: 5 km, +120 m

The Long and Middle routes continue along the ridge to Stone Hill Down and include narrow single-track sections toward the Blue Pool. Trail surfaces are mixed: muddy and soft in places during November, with some hard-packed or road sections. Woodland and open heath along the course are home to Sika deer, which may be visible with headtorches.

Facilities at the venue include hot food and drink, fire pits, toilets in the start/finish area, bag drop, event photography, online results, and a metal finishers medal. Free parking is available; the car park is a 15–20 minute walk from the venue. There is one outpost on the Long route at about 7 km offering snacks, gels and electrolyte drink; the Middle and Short routes have no outpost. The event is not dog-friendly. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Recommended equipment includes a headtorch or chest torch, trail shoes, rain coat, long sleeve top, foil blanket and a water bottle or running pack. Headphones are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.