Eight miles. A perfect introduction to trail running through the most unique urban-to-nature setting in the UK. Bournemouth's only trail running event; straight from Bournemouth Square into the pines of Meyrick Park and beyond.
A perfect introduction to trail running.
Town to Trail is a beginner-friendly run designed for first-timers and experienced road runners looking for their first taste of dirt. Expect a bit of mixed terrain, a bit of adventure, and a proper welcome home with a big medal, drinks and cake.
There'll be partners on site too — so hang around, cheer the rest of the field in, sunbathe, chat, relax. Celebrate properly.
Forget stats and elevation profiles for a second. Here's what eight miles from town to trail actually feels like.
Mixed surfaces with light undulation. Trail shoes recommended but not essential. If you can cover 5km in an hour, you'll finish fine.
Town. To trail.
Start in the heart of it all in Bournemouth Square and within minutes you're running through tree lined paths, open parkland and quiet trails that feel miles away from everything.
Bournemouth Square. The pergola start line. A proper send-off.
Pines, parkland and quiet trails through Meyrick Park.
8 miles, fully signed.
The course is fully marked with GPX files available for extra certainty. Out on course there's a single aid station at Mile 5 inside Meyrick Park including water, snacks, and a friendly face.
- Mixed terrain. Wide paths, narrow trails, possibly slippy if it's wet.
- Marshalled road crossings (we stop runners, not traffic).
- Toilets at start, finish and ~6km at Meyrick Park Club.
- Just 81 metres of total elevation gain; gentle and beginner-friendly.
- GPX file available ahead of race day.
Full route. A looped course starting and ending by Bournemouth Square
Everything you need.
Race Day Schedule
Build to the race — 5K to 10K in 10 weeks.
Join the Run Easy 10-week training programme for a supportive build up to Town to Trail. The Sole Clinic running community specialise in bringing people together through easy running and having fun.
Over 10 weeks you'll build your confidence and running ability up to 10K, along with a sense of community that will have you feeling ready to take on 8 miles in August.
- Group WhatsApp to share progress, ask for advice, and connect with others.
- Weekly in-person group running session with a qualified coach and Run Leaders — every Wednesday at 18:30.
- Weekly training plan adapted to the group, with 2× homework runs.
- Individual advice & support from a qualified coach.
- Access to the wider Sole Clinic community.
Alternating weekly between Ashley Cross Green in Poole and Café Riva in Southbourne. You're not obligated to join every in-person run, but we'll encourage and support everyone to do so.
£15 for the full 10-week programme. Add the Run Easy 10-week training ticket alongside your Town to Trail entry at checkout.
You start in the middle of town. You finish wondering how Bournemouth hid all this so well.
Most people know Bournemouth for the beach. Very few realise how much woodland, trail, heathland, hidden bridges and parkland sit directly behind the town centre. Town to Trail connects them all in one continuous eight mile journey.
- Victorian gardens and ornamental bridges
- Coy Pond's quiet waterside trails
- Hidden woodland singletrack through Pug's Hole
- Giant pines and sandy heath paths
- Meyrick Park's rolling green spaces
- Plaques, memorials and forgotten corners most locals never notice
Local businesses and organisations who add genuine value to our runners and the open spaces we run in.
Our main partner — we're delivering Town to Trail together with Sole Clinic, Bournemouth's running social.
The events crew behind Town to Trail and our wider series of beginner-friendly runs.
The UK's No.1 athlete-owned endurance sports nutrition shop — Maurten, Tailwind, Precision Fuel & Hydration and 110+ top brands.
Independent running shop in Poole. Trail, road and race kit, plus expert gait analysis and fitting.
Hosting our mid-course aid station deep inside the park.
