Running
Purbeck Marathon
42.2 km
The Purbeck Marathon
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Trail in United Kingdom, Swanage
Distances
About
A trail run on the Jurassic Coast featuring the full 26.67-mile marathon and a 16.9-mile Purbeck 16, with start/finish in Swanage and proceeds supporting local Dorset charities.
Catering & aid stations
Stops along the course provide food and drink — typical trail-race support with aid stations (specific items and times to be confirmed closer to race day).
Pacers
Pacemakers will be provided for the Marathon and Purbeck 16 — details and target times/wave information will be published nearer race day on the event schedule.
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Typical weather in Swanage
Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).
Jan7°2°
↑ 08:08
↓ 16:28
Feb8°3°
↑ 07:25
↓ 17:22
Mar10°3°
↑ 06:23
↓ 18:13
Apr13°5°
↑ 06:13
↓ 20:05
May16°8°
↑ 05:17
↓ 20:54
Jun19°11°
↑ 04:52
↓ 21:28
Jul21°13°
↑ 05:10
↓ 21:20
Aug20°13°
↑ 05:55
↓ 20:32
Sep18°11°
↑ 06:44
↓ 19:24
Oct15°9°
↑ 07:33
↓ 18:16
Nov10°5°
↑ 07:28
↓ 16:20
Dec8°3°
↑ 08:09
↓ 16:00
What's included in entry
- Race bib
- Race insurance
- Entry supports local Dorset charities
FAQ
How long is the Purbeck Marathon route?
The Purbeck Marathon is actually 26.67 miles (more than a marathon distance). We also offer the Purbeck 16, which is actually 16.9 miles of the same Jurassic Coast route and starts an hour later than the marathon.
How long is the Purbeck 16 route?
The Purbeck 16 route is actually 16.9 miles ( we always give you more ). The distance is determines by the natural public footpaths. The Purbeck 16 covers 16.9 miles of the same Jurassic Coast route but has one less major hill climb than the Marathon route and starts later in the morning.
What is the cut-off time for the marathon?
The cut-off time for the Purbeck Marathon is 7 hours and 11 minutes from the start. All runners must have crossed the finish line by the designated time. The race starts at 9am from Swanage.
Where does the race start and finish?
Both the Purbeck Marathon and the Purbeck 16 start on the downs above the Broad Road Car Park and finish on Sand Pitt field on the sea front in Swanage, Dorset. Full start location details, including parking information, are provided in the Race Information pack sent to all registered runners.
Is the Purbeck Marathon suitable for beginners?
The course is a genuine challenge — with 1,059 metres of elevation gain and rugged trail terrain, it is not recommended as a first marathon although some novices have completed the course. However, runners with trail experience who have trained for the distance will find it achievable and immensely rewarding. The Purbeck 16 is an excellent introduction.
What mandatory kit is required?
As a TRA-licensed trail event, runners are required to carry specific mandatory kit for safety on the course. The full mandatory kit list is available on the Race Information page. We recommend reviewing it well in advance of race day.
Where do the entry fees go?
All profits from entry fees are donated to charities and organisations nominated by our volunteers and also to our three local charity partners: Planet Purbeck, Dementia Friendly Purbeck, and St Edward’s Corfe Castle. The event is entirely volunteer-run, so operational costs are kept to a minimum.
When is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is 13 September 2026. We strongly recommend registering early, as places are limited and the event has a strong history of selling out ahead of the deadline.
Last updated: Jun 6, 2026, 12:30:41 AM
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