Race on the Chase – Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k

The Race on the Chase has already gained a strong reputation with runners for its great trails, views and friendly atmosphere. The 2024 event will use the improved Marathon course, to compliment the ever popular 10k and half marathon races.

All race distances follow a similar type of terrain. Undulating downland is the key feature, following ancient tracks, or droves as they are known due to their historic role as routes to market for cattle and sheep. We also use grassy field margins, shady woodland paths and the ancient turf of Martin Down nature reserve. Vertical climb for each course is M 625m, HM 329m and 10k 133m.

For those unfamiliar with the area, it’s trail running heaven, and was the inspiration to me to start organising running events. Runners may past through one of the many beautiful villages, but often mile upon mile of wide-open countryside stretches out before you, with unspoilt vistas for rolling fields and woodland.

Your run will take you through a landscape full of history. The race name comes from Cranborne Chase, King Johns favourite hunting ground, but earlier on It was influenced by the Romans, who built a large villa in the village of Rockbourne. Pre-dating this you see countless Bronze age burial mounds, and for a couple of miles runners in the marathon and half follow Bockerley Dike, an Iron age boundary earthwork. The whole area has been rich in Neolithic archaeology, and a huge earth mound on Martin Down gives a clue to the site of a WW2 rifle range.

Start times:

Marathon – 9:00

Half Marathon – 9:30

10K – 10:00

Entry:

Marathon – £42.00

Half Marathon – £32.00

10K – £25.00