TIMED RUNNING EVENTS ON EPIC TRAILS, PATHS AND COASTLINES
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.
ULTRA / MARATHON EVENTS
Achieve something epic. Our Marathon / Ultra events are unique and held in spectacular locations
EIGHTMILE SERIES
Join our 8 mile long races to keep your health, fitness and training on track
Welcome to Eightmile Events
Every runner helps protect the trails. We donate to conservation in the very trails you run on via local initiatives.
We work with councils, landowners, the National Trust, and local associations to support real, visible improvements; repairing, clearing, and maintaining our open spaces.
We prioritise low impact race design and a strict “leave no trace” policy for all runners and crew zero netting impact on sensitive sites.
We partner with local suppliers, eco businesses and halls rather than bringing in disposable infrastructure, keeping the economic impact local and caring.
The Eight Mile Series
Town to Trail 8
15 MAR | 24 MAY | 23 AUG | 1 NOV
8 MILES
Bournemouth, Dorset
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.
x FEB | x AUG | x NOV
8 MILES
Canford Heath, Poole.
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.
x JAN | x APR | x JULY | x OCT
8 MILES
Branksome Dene, Poole
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
Canford 8
St Catherine's 8
x JAN | x JUL | x NOV
7, 14, or 21 MILES
Christchurch, Dorset
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.
Hold The Line 8
At around eight miles long, 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 timed.
BEAT THE FERRY ULTRA
+ Marathon & Half Marathon.
Run 62 miles from Studland’s to Weymouth and back, or choose the 31 mile half ultra.
The route follows the Purbeck Way and South West Coast Path, winding past Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, and Weymouth seafront - and back again. A journey through the south coasts most iconic landscapes.
GPS tracked. Fully supported. Life Bases keep you fuelled with hot food, hydration, and encouragement.
Full Support - 10 Life bases
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.
Full or half marathon 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 timed, marked, and professionally organised.
What are Eightmile Principles?
Adventure, not just distance
Professional calm, friendly energy
Moments that matter
Local roots, local respect
Simplicity done well
Fairness & kindness
A sense of achievement for every runner
Caring for the places we run.
Is it a race?
Eightmile events are designed to be welcoming, and community focused. You can race and challenge yourself whilst enjoying enjoying the experience no matter your ability.
Every runner helps protect the trails. What does this mean?
It means that once each event is complete, we apportion a %'age of profits to save and work with local groups to go straight back into the landscapes we use, funding local trail maintenance, coastal paths and community spaces that support access to nature.
Do you work with any charities or trusts?
Yes, we collaborate directly with local organisations such as the National Trust, Purbeck Ridge Association, and other community groups who manage and maintain the land our events cross.
How do you make sure your events don’t damage the environment?
We follow a strict “leave no trace” approach. All signage is temporary, reusable, and fixed only where agreed. Runners carry their own hydration, aid stations use bulk refill systems, and our team performs full pre and post race litter sweeps leavig trails as good, or better than how we found them. Note we reserve the right to time penalise any runners caught littering.
How can runners or volunteers get involved in the local repair work?
We plan to create seasonal “Trail Care Days” where volunteers can help with small maintenance tasks alongside local land teams, from step clearing to signage repairs.
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. However, we do have cut off times that would not be suitable to walkers.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed at our events.
Are the routes safe?
Routes are carefully designed to avoid busy roads and are predominantly trail races. Any crossings are only at existing zebra or pedestrian crossings. You'll find helpful marshals and signage on point to alert you where needed of any hazards.
How do I follow the route?
Every course is marked with Eight Mile signage. GPX files, Google map routes (for mobile phone) are available.
What support is available?
Manned start/finish with check-in and first aid.
Water and electrolytes.
Fully kitchen and food.
Route fully marked.
Timing and online results.
Friendly team.
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?
Over 18's only.
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 top 0.01% whatever your pace. Wear it proud.
What happens if I turn up late?
Many of our races run on SSSI's (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and as such have bespoke start line approaches e.g. phased starts. Check out each race for the specifics.