TIMED RUNNING RACE EVENTS THROUGH EPIC TOWN AND TRAILS
Eightmile brings together a series of timed running events across epic town and trail terrain.
Marked routes, accurate timing, and a welcoming team, every race is built to challenge you and grow your love for running.
From our Eightmile Series to our Marathon Events, every race celebrates the same ethos: great routes, good people, and a shared love of the run.
MARATHON EVENTS
Big annual marathon distance events in spectacular locations
EIGHTMILE SERIES
Timed events of 8 miles to keep your fitness on track
Why Eightmile?
Parkruns are short. Marathons are long. Club runs can feel unstructured.
Eightmile is the perfect middle ground — challenging without burning you out, frequent enough to build fitness, and affordable.
15% of profits reinvested into parks. Contributing to the trails and local areas.
Challenge Yourself
8 Mile Events
Town to Trail 8
Starting just off the bustling centre of Bournemouth’s town square, wind your way through the central gardens to Coy Pond, continue across Talbot Heath reserve, and finish with a loop of Meyrick Park’s stunning cross-country trails before returning to the start.
Run the series: Seasonal 8 mile races from £x
Bournemouth, Dorset - BH1
Held entirely on Canford Heath’s open tracks and woodland paths, this route takes you across the UK’s largest lowland heath. With wide skies, sandy trails, and stretches of natural woodland, it offers both history and scenery.
Run the series: Seasonal 8 mile races from £x
Bournemouth, Dorset - BH11 8NX
A fast, flat coastal run along Bournemouth and Poole’s iconic promenade. Starting at Branksome Dene, this route traces a stretch once known for smugglers and now lined with beach huts and sweeping sea views. Simple, scenic, and timeless
Run the series: Seasonal 8 mile races from £x
Bournemouth, Dorset - BH13 6JR
The Canford 8
St Catherine's 8
Climb through heathland and woodland trails to the summit of St Catherine’s Hill, with sweeping views across the Avon and Stour valleys. The course takes you over sandy ridges, shaded pine paths, and open heath, looping twice before a fast descent back to the start.
Run the series: Seasonal 8 mile races from £x
Bournemouth, Dorset - BH23 6DY
Run to the shore 8
Introducing the series
Our Series races are built around a simple idea: four races, one each season, on the same route. At around eight miles, they’re long enough to test your legs, short enough to fit into your week, and perfect for tracking progress across the year.
Each race is fully marked and professionally timed.
Bournemouth 26: The Coastal Marathon
Run a marathon to Bournemouth
Experience one of the South Coast’s most scenic marathons, from the trails of St Catherine’s Hill, through historic Christchurch, across Tuckton Bridge, you'll run to the long golden sands of Bournemouth past the wild headland at Hengistbury Head.
The Bournemouth 26 Mile Run blends forest climbs, sweeping sea views, and coastal energy into a single unforgettable route. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking forward to energising coastal views, this is 26 miles of Dorset at its best journey began.
Marathon events
Full or half marathon options
Starting at (coming soon)
BEAT THE FERRY: Ultra marathon
Can you get back to the ferry in time?
Experience one of the South Coast’s most scenic marathons, from the trails of St Catherine’s Hill, through historic Christchurch, across Tuckton Bridge, you'll run to the long golden sands of Bournemouth past the wild headland at Hengistbury Head.
The Bournemouth 26 Mile Run blends forest climbs, sweeping sea views, and coastal energy into a single unforgettable route. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just looking forward to energising coastal views, this is 26 miles of Dorset at its best journey began.
70 or 35 mile options
Starting at (coming soon)
Frequently asked questions
What is Eightmile?
Eightmile organise and hold a regular series of eight mile trail events and annual long distance race events from up to ultra distances. Every event is fully timed, fully marked, and professionally organised.
Is it a race?
Eightmile events are timed race events; but they’re also designed to be welcoming, accessible, and community focused. We’re not about elite racing; we’re about challenging yourself and enjoying the experience no matter your ability.
Can I walk the route?
No. We are 100% supportive of all running abilities, we're in nature and you're out there to enjoy it no matter your ability. However, we are a jog / run not a walk. Eight mile series have a generous 2 hour cut off for the eight mile events.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed at our events.
How often do events run?
Each route is organised once per season (four times a year). Once a year, that route becomes its Signature Event, which is a larger format half marathon, marathon or Ultra.
Why is there an entry fee?
Your entry covers professional timing, route marking, first aid, hydration, insurance, and event organisation. It also helps us give back. 15% of proceeds are reinvested into local parks, trails, and community causes.
Do you close roads?
No. Routes are carefully designed to avoid busy roads. Any crossings are only at existing zebra or pedestrian crossings. Marshalls are located at key points, and signage on point to alert you where needed of any hazards. We never use road closures or major traffic disruption.
How do I follow the route?
Every course is route-marked. GPX files and maps are also available to download to sports watches or phones as a backup.
What support is available?
Manned start/finish with check-in and first aid.
Water and electrolytes at the finish (and on-course stations for longer events).
Route fully marked, with volunteers at key points.
Live timing and results published online.
Friendly team available via email and social channels if you have questions before or after the event.
Can I track my progress over time?
Yes. All results are logged on our website, so you can follow your performance, pace, and milestones across multiple events.
Are there any age restrictions?
There are no strict age restrictions; all runners are welcome to challenge themselves at their own pace.
Do I get a medal?
Hell yes. Fewer than 0.1% of the UK is out running today. Even fewer are pushing beyond 10k on trails, in a timed race. That makes you part of the 0.01%. Wear it proud.
What happens if I turn up late?
The start line stays open for 30 minutes after the advertised mass start. Just check in at the table, collect your timing tag, and start when you’re ready.