The Casterbridge Canter is Dorset’s newest trail run, organised by the Dorchester Middle School PTFA (charity number pending). Join us for a mid-week summer evening event on a beautiful private family estate near Dorchester, not usually open to the public. We have special permission to run a 10k and a 5k race for this event only. 

Described as “challenging and enjoyable” and “a 10K version of the Hardy Half”, both routes are open to all running abilities and provide stunning views across the estate and south Dorset downland to Hardy’s Monument, Maiden Castle, Dorchester and Poundbury. What better way to unwind with a midweek evening run, great company, and delicious cakes, bar, and BBQ afterwards? Why not bring some friends and create a team? Fancy dress optional!

RACE DETAILS

• Date:  Wednesday 8th July 2026
• Start time:  7pm 
• Registration:  5.30pm - 6.45pm
• Safety briefing:  6.50pm
• Route: Fully signed and marshalled 10K and 5K routes, with tail runners 
• Running under Association of Running Clubs (ARC) permit and rules
• Chip timed
• Aid station for 10K 
• Full medical support provided by Jurassic Event Medical
• Race HQ and parking:  Higher Came Farm, Dorchester, DT2 8NR

AMENITIES

• In the field car parking
• Toilets
• Refreshments including BBQ, food and bar
• On-course aid and water station (for 10K)
    
ENTRY DETAILS

Fees:  
• 10K: £25 (£15 for 16-19 year olds)
• 5K: £18 (£10 for 13-18 year olds)

• Entrants for 10K must be 16 or over on the day of the race
• Entrants for 5K must be 13 or over on the day of the race
• Numbers are limited
• No on-the-day entries
• Entry deadline: Wednesday 1st July (or sooner if full capacity is reached)

Please note: We are unable to offer refunds, but runner-to-runner transfers are available

Important info:

• Only open-ear/bone conductor headphones permitted
• Cupless event
• Trail shoes recommended
• Both routes are unsuitable for buggies
• Dogs are not permitted on the site

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Finisher’s medal
• Open and Female 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes 
• Age category prizes
• Option to pre-purchase a high-quality technical t-shirt
• Post-run refreshments, licensed bar, BBQ and lots of cake!
• Help raise money for Dorchester Middle School PTFA 

Described as “challenging but enjoyable” and likened to “a 10K version of the Hardy Half”, the Casterbridge Canter 10K offers a unique opportunity to take part in a race that promises to be enjoyable for all who take part and challenging for competitive trail runners. Enjoy truly spectacular views of Maiden Castle, Hardy’s Monument and Dorchester from new perspectives whilst crossing beautiful and picturesque private farmland on a summer’s evening. 

A multi-terrain whole trail run, comprising grass margins, pastureland, stubble fields, and stony farm tracks - please expect uneven surfaces that may become slippery if wet. Please do not wear closed-ear or in-ear headphones to ensure that you may hear our marshals whilst running. 

There will be an aid station approximately halfway around the 10K course. In order to keep litter to a minimum, this event is cupless. Please bring a collapsible cup or drinks bottle if you would like topping up on the 10K course.

We have special permission to cross private land for this event only.  Please respect this, and do not try run the route any time beforehand or afterwards as this will result in us not being permitted to run the event again in the future. 

Please take ALL your litter home, including left over food waste. The parking field is usually used for horse and sheep grazing, so we cannot permit dogs onto the site. 

We are raising money for Dorchester Middle School PTFA, who will also be providing a selection of food and drinks during the evening and after the race.  Please do support our cause by staying on and enjoying the refreshments. 

MAKE A DONATION

If you are not running but would still like to support us, we would be hugely grateful for your kind donation to the DMS PTFA.