Eventide Races at Abbotsbury

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, Buller’s Way, Abbotsbury, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT3 4LA

Join us in Abbotsbury for our second adventure on the beautiful Dorset Coast. Our first race of the night we take place in the daylight before sunset and this year include St Catherines Chapel but ascending from the village side to take in the magnificeant sea views on the descent. While the latter races will take in the sunset and visit St Catherines chapel but running in the opposite direction, and the hill it sits on.

The race courses will take in St Catherines chapel, the Swannery, the Chesil Beach and starts and finishes in the stunning Subtropical Gardens. Which also acts as our race HQ.

Route

The race starts in the car park on the other side of the road from the Subtropical gardens. Runners will be led the short walk from the Subtropical gardens to the start. The races finishes in the Subtropical gardens which makes it a great place to spectate. All races take in the Chapel. Some parts maybe muddy.

Aid Stations

There will be refreshments at the end for all races. This will also serve as the half way aid station for the 13k. Other aid stations will be present. Twice on the course for the 7k and 6.5k. 5 on course for the 13k. Aid stations include water, sweets, fruit and savoury bits to.

Course Markings

The course will be well marked with plenty of signs with reflective elements, as well as marking the turning we also have signs to warn a turn is coming up and to block off wrong directions. As well plentiful signs we have a breadcrumb style trail which lets you know you’re on the course.

Terrain & Course

The 5, 7 and 6.5k races are single laps. The 13km race is 2 laps.

The course takes in a wide variety of surfaces. Stone, pebbles, tarmac, concrete, grass, gravel and mud all feature. Most areas of the course are wide except in the Gardens so we exit the Gardens out of one of the gates straight after the start of the race.

The OS Route planner puts the ascent for the 7k and the 6k at approximately  140m of climb so 280 for the 13km race. The 5k is 80m.

Spectating

Spectators and Runners will have some access to the Gardens in Abbotsbury including the colonial restaurant. The race starts can be watched by following the runners to the start. And then returning to the gardens to watch the finish of the one lap races while also seeing the 12k at the half way point.

The races do have a cross over point on the course where runners could be spotted twice per lap. This is on the south west coast path between Stavordale Wood and Chapel Hill.

More Information

The 5 & 7k will start and finish in the daylight, and you do not need to wear a head torch unless you really really want to.

You will need to wear a head torch or equivalent for the 6.5 and 13k as these races start just before sunset. Please carry spare batteries or a backup torch, a limited number of which will be available to hire or buy on the night.  We recommend emailing to book.

All finishers will receive a finishers medal for the races unless they elect not to do so (can save £4).

Age limits 16 and above for all races. The age limits have raised due to the increase in distance and more offroad terrain. We hope to have shorter fun runs at this race with lower age limits.

Time Limit 1hr 20 mins for the 5k, 1hr 50 mins for the 12k and 1hr 40 for the 6k

Race Limit 500 (combined total across all three races)

Costs

5k is £16 affiliated or £18 unaffiliated

7 & 6.5k is £17 affiliated or £19 unaffiliated

13k is £19 affiliated or £21 unaffiliated

 

More Info

No showers or changing facilities available here.

Insurance and Race License from ARC, race permit number tbc

Please read the race terms and conditions before entering

Canicross permitted but unsure on which races currently

Location