7 mile and 3 mile timed Trail Races
starting and finishing around The Blue Pool, Dorset
SOLD OUT
3rd November 2024 9.30am
ABOUT THE EVENT
For the first time ever, The Furzebrook Estate are permitting us to host a trail run at, and around, the iconic waters of The Blue Pool nature reserve.
The Blue Castle Run is a 7 mile chip-timed trail race which begins and ends at this Dorset jewel. With ancient woodland trails; hills and heath; ridges and valleys, and the occasional castle, delivering you some of the most stunning scenery in the Purbecks; and a unique opportunity to run around The Blue Pool. Twice.
There is an option to run a 3 mile course, also timed, which still includes laps around the water at the start and finish, it's just a bit less 'castle-y'.
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Challenging enough for competitive athletes, and enjoyable for all runners, this is an opportunity to be part of the first ever event which will no doubt become a classic. Places are limited so register now to avoid missing out!
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Canicross entry is available for both distances.
WHEN? Sunday 3rd November 2024. The race starts at 9.30 am.
WHAT? A 7 mile distance and a 3 mile distance timed trail run.
The 7-mile race has a 150-minute cut-off, so all running will be complete by midday at the latest. No cut-off for the 3 mile.
Every finisher will receive a fabulous medal.
Prizes will be presented for the first 3 male and female runners in each race, and the first three canicross.
Timed results will be published on our site.
WHERE? The Blue Pool is a stunning venue, with nature walks, picnic areas and a tea room serving good food and refreshing drinks; you could run solo or make a day of it with the family.
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HOW MUCH?
The cost of a single race entry for either of the distances will also include access to The Blue Pool for the runner, one adult supporter, and up to 2 children under 16. Usually, public entry to The Blue Pool is £7.50 per adult and £3.75 for children, so this is a great value package:
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7 Mile *minimum age 17
£28 Unaffiliated, £26 Affiliated
3 Mile *minimum age 12
£18 Unaffiliated, £16 Affiliated
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Additional non-running supporters would be required to pay the usual entry fee.
T-shirts are available to pre-order when you enter, so get yourself a First Edition!
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The 7 Mile race has one aid station at about 5 miles. There are no aid stations on the 3 Mile. Water will be available at the finish.
THE EVENT IS CUPLESS - please bring your own collapsible cup for use at the aid station AND at the finish. Up for the challenge? Enter now!!
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ABOUT US
Who is organising this fabulous event?
As a Purbeck local, living in Furzebrook, I have run every footpath, cow trail, and deer track in all directions and weather; and of all of them, these 5 or so miles never failed to bring me joy. Having spent the last 2 years more injured than not, and having spent much longer than that running solo, I decided to share my favourite trail with everyone - and with a huge added bonus… I approached Matt at The Blue Pool about adding a lap around the water to my route, as it’s something people don’t get to do every day. As our discussion evolved, we decided to not only host the run at The Blue Pool, but also to lap around the water at the start and finish – taking this to a 7-mile route. It was then suggested to have a 3-mile route too, for people to enjoy the water and woods, without all that hilly nonsense.
As a newcomer to event organisation, I reached out to the beautiful people at The Purbeck Trail Series who kindly offered their support - the best part of that was connecting me with the wonderful Denise who, as an experienced race director and keen trail runner, has mentored me tirelessly. This would not be going ahead without her.
This is our first year, so win, lose or draw, all feedback is welcome.
We hope you have a wonderful run, and enjoy 7 (or 3) miles of blissful Blue-castle-ness.
Happy trails,
Carl and Denise.