Casterbridge Canter Trail Run

Q: When is the event taking place?

The event takes place on Wednesday 8th July 2026 .

Q: What time does the race start?

Race start: 7:00pm Registration: 5:30pm – 6:45pm Safety briefing: 6:50pm

Q: Where is the event located?

Race HQ and parking are at: Higher Came Farm, Dorchester, DT2 8NR Parking is available in a field on site.

Q: What race distances are available?

There are two race options: 10K trail run 5K trail run Both routes are fully signed and marshalled with tail runners.

Q: Who can take part?

10K entrants must be 16 or older on race day 5K entrants must be 13 or older on race day All running abilities are welcome.

Q: How much does it cost to enter?

10K: £25 5K: £18 A discount is available for runners aged 18 or under Numbers are limited and entries close on Wednesday 1st July 2026 or sooner if the race sells out.

Q: Can I enter on the day?

No. There are no on-the-day entries , so please make sure you enter in advance.

Q: Can I get a refund if I can’t run?

Refunds are not available. However, runner-to-runner transfers are permitted .

Q: Is the race chip timed?

Yes, both races are chip timed .

Question 1

What is the Casterbridge Canter?

Accepted Answer

The Casterbridge Canter is Dorset’s newest trail running event, organised by the Dorchester Middle School PTFA. It’s a mid-week summer evening run on a beautiful private family estate near Dorchester that is not normally open to the public.

Runners can choose between a 10K or 5K trail race, both offering spectacular views across the Dorset countryside including Hardy’s Monument, Maiden Castle, Dorchester and Poundbury.

Question 2

When is the event taking place?

Accepted Answer

The event takes place on Wednesday 8th July 2026.

Question 3

What time does the race start?

Accepted Answer

Race start: 7:00pm
Registration: 5:30pm – 6:45pm
Safety briefing: 6:50pm

Question 4

Where is the event located?

Accepted Answer

Race HQ and parking are at:

Higher Came Farm, Dorchester, DT2 8NR

Parking is available in a field on site.

Question 5

What race distances are available?

Accepted Answer

There are two race options:

10K trail run
5K trail run

Both routes are fully signed and marshalled with tail runners.

Question 6

Who can take part?

Accepted Answer

10K entrants must be 16 or older on race day
5K entrants must be 13 or older on race day

All running abilities are welcome.

Question 7

How much does it cost to enter?

Accepted Answer

10K: £25
5K: £18

A discount is available for runners aged 18 or under

Numbers are limited and entries close on Wednesday 1st July 2026 or sooner if the race sells out.

Question 8

Can I enter on the day?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no on-the-day entries, so please make sure you enter in advance.

Question 9

Can I get a refund if I can’t run?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are not available. However, runner-to-runner transfers are permitted.

Question 10

Is the race chip timed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both races are chip timed.

Question 11

Are the races officially permitted?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the event runs under Association of Running Clubs (ARC) permit and rules.

Question 12

What is the course like?

Accepted Answer

The event is a multi-terrain trail run including:

Grass margins
Pastureland
Stubble fields
Stoney farm tracks

Expect uneven ground and potentially slippery surfaces if wet. Trail shoes are recommended.

Question 13

Are there water stations?

Accepted Answer

There will be an aid station approximately halfway around the 10K course.

The event is cupless, so runners should bring a collapsible cup or bottle if they wish to take water.

Question 14

Are headphones allowed?

Accepted Answer

Only open-ear or bone conduction headphones are permitted so that runners can hear marshal instructions.

Question 15

Can I run with a buggy or dog?

Accepted Answer

No.

Buggies are not suitable for the trail routes.
Dogs are not permitted on the site as the land is used for horse and sheep grazing.

Question 16

Is there medical support?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Full medical cover is provided by Jurassic Event Medical.

Question 17

What facilities are available?

Accepted Answer

Facilities at Race HQ include:

Field parking
Toilets
Food and refreshments
BBQ and licensed bar
Cakes and snacks
Water station on the 10K route

Question 18

What do runners receive?

Accepted Answer

All runners will receive:

Finisher’s medal
Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd (open and female categories)
Age category prizes
Option to pre-purchase a technical event t-shirt

After the race, runners can enjoy BBQ food, drinks, and plenty of cake.

Question 19

Can we run the route before the event?

Accepted Answer

No. The route crosses private land that is only accessible for this event. Please respect the landowners and do not attempt to run the route before or after race day.

Question 20

What is the event raising money for?

Accepted Answer

The event supports the Dorchester Middle School PTFA, helping raise funds for the school community.

Question 21

Can I support the event if I’m not running?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Donations to the Dorchester Middle School PTFA are very welcome if you’d like to support the cause without taking part in the race.

Question 22

What is the elevation on the course?

Accepted Answer

10K has approximately 180 meters of elevation
5K has approximately 100 meters of elevation

Casterbridge Canter Trail Run

Casterbridge Canter

Casterbridge Canter Trail Run

4.9/5