Purbeck Marathon made a triumphant comeback to Swanage, with nearly 200 runners tackling one of Dorset’s most spectacular and demanding courses, after a five year absence.
The level of support for both the marathon and a shorter 16 mile race held on Sunday 20th September 2026, has led organisers to announce that the event will be back next year.
Runners were briefed what to expect on the course before the races began
Cool off after challenging run
Runners enjoyed near perfect conditions as they crossed the Isle of Purbeck, taking in dramatic coastline, rolling countryside and some of the area’s best known landmarks.
Light clouds greeted competitors in the morning before sunshine arrived during the afternoon, while calm seas provided a welcome opportunity for some runners and supporters to cool off after a challenging run.
That became necessary as temperatures hit 22 degrees, runners raced though more than 1,000 metres of elevation and the marathon was extended to take in Old Harry Rocks at the end.
Traditionally, the Purbeck Marathon included the abandoned village of Tyneham, but because of Ministry of Defence restrictions on the day, organisers compensated with an additional section around Studland.
New race director Ollie Allcock was delighted by the success of the events and has announced dates for next year
A major community effort
Other highlights of the race course included Durlston Country Park, Worth Matravers, Kingston, Kimmeridge and Corfe Castle, as well as long stretches of the Jurassic Coast.
The event was last staged in 2021 and its return has been led by race director Ollie Allcock, with support and guidance from former organisers Richard Cook and Jason Haiselden.
Its return was thanks to a major community effort, with local groups including Swanage Sea Rowing Club, Peveril Point and St Aldhelm’s Coastwatch, Swanage Railway, St Edward’s Church and Swanage Tennis Club helping to keep runners supplied with water at checkpoints around the course.
The race was entirely volunteer run and is raising money for local causes, to include St Edward’s Church at Corfe Castle, Planet Purbeck and Dementia Friendly Purbeck.
Swanage town crier Andrew Fleming got proceedings under way
“We had a great response”
Race director Ollie Allcock said:
“After five years away, we were delighted to be back to once again put runners on the roads and footpaths of the Isle of Purbeck, combining tough running with spectacular scenery and a substantial helping of local community spirit!
“We had a great response, and we have immediately scheduled our next Purbeck Marathon for Sunday 26th September, 2027 – although there will have to be a change of scenery at the start and finish, as Sandpit Field in Swanage is due to be closed for stabilisation work.
“We’ll announce these details later, but rest assured the main race will be back again to celebrate the Purbeck countryside and community, run by volunteers and raising funds for local charities.
“Once again, it will be a race through nature, along stunning coastal paths and rolling hills, past castle ruins and history at every turn, with friendly faces cheering you on to a superb achievement.”
Marathon winner Liam Coleman at the finish line with race director Ollie Allcock
“More than a marathon”
Ollie added:
“With the unexpectedly warm weather, the marathon proved particularly tough, but despite the heat of the afternoon, just two runners failed to finish from a field of 99 runners.
“Liam Coleman of Southville Running Club in Bristol took first place in 3 hours and 53 minutes, and was the first recipient of the Richard Cook Trophy, named in honour of the founder of the original Purbeck Marathon.
“He was visibly delighted at the prizegiving after completing the challenging course, which covered around 26.5 miles and 1,024 metres of climbing, helping the event live up to its long standing description as ‘more than a marathon’!
“The event was always on the calendar for my family, it felt like a good way to enjoy what we like best about Purbeck, which is the wonderful scenery, and the support of the community.
“Runners World did an article in 2012 after its debut year, saying that they were happy to put the event at number three in their list of the UK’s top marathons – and we don’t think anything has changed our view of that!”
Winners of the 16 Mile event, Tobias Price and Isabel Zanconato
Purbeck Runner finished his 100th marathon
There was also a major fundraising achievement from one of the runners, with marathon competitor Leanne Garner raising £2,090 for the Nepal Red Cross Fund.
And the event provided a milestone for another competitor, with Purbeck Runner Nigel Haywood completing his 100th marathon, accompanied by his son Tom.
The 16-mile race attracted 83 runners, with Tobias Price taking first place in 2 hours and 13 minutes, while Isabel Zanconato of Purbeck Runners was the first female finisher in 2 hours and 21 minutes.
Sasha Levrier was first woman home in the marathon, in a time of 4 hours and 27 minutes.
Some spectacular views unfolded for the long distance runners
A welcome reward at the end
Swanage Town Crier Andrew Fleming opened proceedings by singing the Purbeck Song of Independence before the runners were sent on their way following a countdown led by a group of local children, many wearing special caps designed for the event and inspired by the Purbeck flag.
Homemade sandwiches and other snacks were waiting at the checkpoints, while at least two stations featured enthusiastic local children armed with super soakers to coll down the runners.
Fresh watermelon was also handed out to help competitors cope with the heat, while free Purbeck ice cream provided a welcome reward at the finish.
Entrants praised the event organisers and said the course was tough, but beautiful
“A fabulous day out!”
Film My Run entrant Stephen Cousins said:
“I’ve run the Purbeck Marathon 4 times now and each time I get slower! But it was still a fabulous day out on the Jurassic Coast and despite the slow time I felt strong all the way round, so I’m very pleased.
“The only problem was the weather turned out so nice. I asked Siri what the weather would be like and it said cloudy all day!
“So I left my cap and sunglasses in the car, but halfway through the run the sun came out and it ended up being really hot, so of course I went in the sea afterwards!
“I really did not expect it to be this hot and had to be very diligent about taking on fluids at the aid stations as I wasn’t wearing a hydration vest, but it all worked out fine, and everything looks prettier in the sunshine!”
Film My Run entrant Stephen Cousins needed a dip in the sea to cool down after his marathon across Purbeck
A view of Swanage from the route to the finish line
Stunning views of Corfe Castle as the runners headed back towards Swanage
Further information
- Full details from the Purbeck Marathon are on its website
- Enter the world of trail running at Film My Run
