Changes to full and half marathon routes for 2024.
Due to cattle and traffic problems in previous years we have changed the route for the full in 2024, more trails, much less tarmac, a new hill or two can only be a good thing.
Our road crossing on the return is now a quick hop across a 30mph zone.
Another change is in Abbotsbury instead of teasing the full with a glimpse of St Catherine’s Chapel both the full and half will have a new route directly to the Chapel before taking a new path back down for the half to split on their return leg whilst the full carry on to Hardys Monument Routes links are below.
GPX and Ordnace survey links will be made available about a week before the event for registered participants .
Full , Half Marathon and 10k Route Description
- Distance: 10k, 13.1 & 26.2
- Surface: Multi-terrain
- Route: Full marathon 1 lap,
- Half marathon out to Catherine’s chapel returning back along same route.
- 1ok 1 lap
- Setting: Rural
- Profile: Hilly
- Water stations: Set at regular distances
- Route Markers: Yes
- Traffic free? No
- Awards: Medals
Organiser’s notes:
Cannicross and dog walkers welcome to take part in any of the distances.
Full and half marathon
Weymouth, Abbotsbury and Dorchester are rich in history, character and charm. The undulating course is almost exclusively off-road and, whilst being challenging and rewarding, allows competitors to also enjoy the fantastic local scenery.
This event now starts and finishes at Bagwell Farm Touring Park. Heading out along The Fleet, the course follows coastal national trails and bridal paths to Abbotsbury, passing the Swannery, Monastery and St Catharine’s chapel (Half way point for the half marathon). Half marathon returns back along the fleet with fantastic views towards Portland.
The second leg involves a tough climb out toward the mid-point refreshment at Hardy’s Monument car park. This is the highest point on the course. From here there is a steady trek along the ridge-line before dropping down the valley to Upwey Wishing Well.
The final leg involves a short climb back up out of the valley onto the opposite ridge-line to Corton Gap and ridge taking you to Portesham where we cross the road taking you past the campsite and up Merry Hill and back to the village of Langton herring where you pick up the last part of the 10k route taking you back to the finish in Bagwell Farm Touring Park.
The entire route has spectacular views which, no-doubt, will keep your mind on the scenery and not your weary legs.
The Challenge Marathon has a number of hard climbs covering a total of over 2500ft over undulating ground. Although signposted and marshalled throughout, it will require some degree self-navigation; basic maps will be provided on the day. The use of OS Map # 15, Purbeck and South Dorset, is recommended. A Google Map of the course can be viewed below (this map is currently being edited).
PLEASE NOTE – For safety reasons there will be a time limit of 10 hours for the full marathon.
FULL ROUTE LINK – https://explore.osmaps.com/route/20527555/hangers-full-march-2024
HALF ROUTE LINK – https://explore.osmaps.com/route/20497160/hangers-half-new-2024
10k challenge
This slightly over 10K route (approx. 6.75 miles) has a bit of everything. From the start you have a small climb out of Bagwell Farm to join a fast tarmac section of approx. ¾ mile downhill before taking a loop through East Fleet farm to including and a few small but steep climbs before turning off the tarmac to join a rocky track down to the coast path.
Keeping the fleet on your left you will now follow the coastal path for approximately 2 miles. At the check point you will be directed up to Langton Herring via a rocky track. Through Langton Herring you will be heading through a local farm before and down through small woodland, heading out of the woodland there is two small inclines before arriving at the entrance of Bagwell Farm and the finish.
10k ROUTE LINK – https://explore.osmaps.com/route/20595096/hangers-10k-2024
ENTER NOW BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK
