Run starts - Bournemouth Square
You’re starting right in the heart of it all, in the beautiful peaceful green space right in the heart of Bournemouth with lovely flower bed, tennis courts and picnic areas. Together with our partners we’ll be giving you a proper send-off through the pergola – a unique start line guiding you off on a tour of the trails around Bournemouth town center.
Highlights
Distance
Climb (m)
Cut off
July
Difficulty
Aid stations
Route
GPX file
What to expect
Town to Trail is a perfect introduction to trail running in one of the most unique urban-to-nature setting in the UK. There is a lot of mixed terrain of wide paths, narrow trails and possibly slippy bits if the weather isn’t great so expect some excitement and adventure.
The course is fully signed with GPX files available for extra certainty if needed. Out on the course, there’ll be an aid station at mile 5.
Back at the finish you’ll come back to a warm welcome and have earned something memorable – a big medal, drinks, and cake! There’ll be partners on site too, so hang around, cheer on the other runners, chat, sunbath, relax and celebrate your achievement.
Information
DATE TBC – Race Day
13:00 – Registration opens at Obscura Cafe
– Bib / Chip collection,
Meet the team, final questions, and last-minute prep.
15:30 – Race registration closes
15:50 – Race Briefing at the start line
16:00 – Race Start
18:00 – Race Finish
Tea, Coffee, Cake, Social.
- 0.5 litre water
- mobile phone
- foil blanket
- reusable cup
ON COURSE
How many Aid Stations are there?
There is 1 aid station little more than half way around in Meyrick Park.
Dietary
Expect proper fuelling options all day, including vegan friendly and gluten free choices. If you have any specific requirements, please drop us an email well in advance of race day and we’ll try to cater.
Toilets
There are toilets at the start and finish area, and at approximately 6km into the race at the Meyrick Park Club.
Are there any gates on the trail?
No.
Are there any road crossings?
Yes. There are a few crossings that will all be marshalled. We will be stopping runners, not traffic, so please be prepared to stop when requested for your safety.
Will the course be marked?
Yes. The course will be marked.
Can I receive supplies on route from friends/family?
No. You are not allowed to receive any supplies during the race. Nor are you allowed to stash anything on route. All our aid stations will supply you with everything you need. In the event of a hot day we will see if we can add an additional basic aid station.
Can my family and friends spectate
We welcome support along the route from friends and family, some good spots to cheer on your runner include:
– tbc.
GENERAL
What’s your refund/transfer policy?
Entries are non-refundable. Optional refund cover will be offered at checkout and is managed by a third-party provider. Entries may not be transferred or resold except via our official ticketing partner, Race Space. Name changes are subject to a £5 administration fee and must be completed using the formal process.
What should I do if I need to pull out during the race?
If you need to drop out, ensure you do so at the aid station. Please hand in your race bib to confirm you have dropped from the race. If you need to drop out away from an aid station in a medical emergency phone Race HQ immediately.
Will there be medical support on route?
Yes.
Are pacers allowed?
No.
Can I run with my dog?
No.
Is there a qualifying standard?
No. The minimum age is 18 years.
Is Bournemouth Town to Trail suitable for my first event?
Absolutely. Take a look at the route and the elevation profile, if you can cover 5km in an hour, you will finish fine!
Will there be prizes?
Yes.
How do I contact you?
If there’s anything we haven’t covered please email us at Hello@eightmile.run.
| Level | Label | What to Expect |
|---|
| 1 | Easy | Flat, firm paths. Parkland, promenade, compact trail. Road-shoe friendly. |
| 2 | Moderate | Mixed surfaces. Some trail, light undulation, generally stable underfoot. |
| 3 | Challenging | Sand, hills, uneven trail. Requires trail shoes and good endurance. |
| 4 | Hard | Steep climbs, technical sections, exposed terrain. Constant focus needed. |
| 5 | Extreme | Boggy, loose, steep, wild. Slow miles, high effort, full trail commitment. |
Stay on the marked course at all times
Close all gates behind you at all times to ensure safety of livestock
Respect other trail users, wildlife and local residents
Report any damage or issues to a marshal
Bins will be available at every aid station. Do not drop litter anywhere on the route
If you spot litter on course, pick it up if safe to do so
Getting There
Event HQ, Registration & Finish area
tbc.
Start Area
tbc.
By Car
tbc.
Car sharing is strongly encouraged where possible to reduce congestion and environmental impact.
If you’re travelling with others, please consider arriving together.
Medal
First Aid
Timing
Aid Station
Marshals
Results
Bournemouth gives you something most places don’t. You can start in the town centre and within minutes you’re running through tree-lined paths, open parkland, and quiet trails that feel miles away from everything.
Experience the Landscape
It’s not about pace or pressure. It’s about getting out, moving through the space, and sharing it with others doing the same. Whether you’re new to trail running or are excited about an inner town trail race you’re in it with everyone else sharing an incredible experiance together.
Be part of Somethin Real
Earn Something Memorable
You finish to more than a clock time. Expect a proper welcome home, well-earned goodie bags, age-graded recognition, spot prizes, and moments that mark the effort you’ve put in. Not just for the fastest, but for the graft, the commitment, and the personal wins. You leave tired, proud, and properly seen.
Why run in Bourenmouth
Registration and chip / bib collection will be based at the Obscura café in Bournemouth Square, right in the centre of town. Full details will be sent out ahead of the event, but everything is set up to be quick and straightforward on the day.
The start line is just a 1 minute walk away at the entrance to Bournemouth Gardens, under the pagoda.
Parking is easy, with plenty of options in and around the town centre within a few minutes’ walk of the start. Whether you’re arriving early or closer to the start time, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a space.
We recommend arriving with enough time to check in, grab your number, and get settled before heading over to the start area
Working with
Local businesses and organisations who add genuine value to our events, runners, and open spaces we run in.
