Jurassic Coast Challenge

Dorset Coast Path. 22nd - 24th March 2024

ENTER HERE for 2024

Introduction:

Run, walk or crawl a marathon a day for 3 days along the stunning Jurassic Coast. 3 marathons in 3 days is the original Jurassic Coast Challenge format that is challenging but achievable by most.

Runners, joggers and walkers all take on the challenge and start at different times each day. The self-navigation routes each day follow the coastal footpath which is well signposted. The event is facilitated at the HQ area which is also the finish point of day 1. Meals, massage, shop, and briefing are all located at the HQ.

The Votwo team will take care of everything at the event for you so all you need to concentrate on is completing the distance each day.

Event HQ:

Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy,
Osprey Quay, Portland Dorset, DT5 1SA - View Location

Distances/prices:

£200 All 3 Days entry.
All entry prices are inclusive of VAT.
Please note the price does not include accommodation.
£70. Day One, 45.3 KM: Charmouth - Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (HQ)
£70. Day Two, 42 KM: Portland Ferry Road - Lulworth Cove
£70. Day Three, 43.6 KM: Lulworth Cove - Shell Bay

Whats included in the entry fee:

GPS tracker, supplied by Geo Tracks
Event branded t-shirt
Food and drink on the course each day
Transport to and from the event HQ to the start/finish each day
Bespoke finishers medal
Free parking at the event HQ
Medical cover
On course support and mini bus pick up for retired participants
Event information pack

Download the 2024 Participant information pack HERE

“I enjoyed the Jurassic Coast Challenge immensely, it was one of the best events I’ve ever done. The organisation worked so well and all the things I needed were there. It was also great to see people of all standards and abilities welcomed to enjoy the challenge in their own way.”

— Dr Sarah Chilvers

Terrain:

The Jurassic coast line is well known for its spectacular views and challenging hills. Each day's route takes in a variety of terrain from coastal footpath to beaches and tracks.

The start point is just outside Charmouth and the course runs from West to East. The Challenge will finish on Day 3 at the National Trust Shell Bay Car Park, Studland. Many challengers will be pleased to note the route still includes the whole circumnavigation of Portland.

Event HQ:

This will act as a meeting point, catering area, massage/first aid point and reception. This will be open throughout the whole event to answer any questions, sell you some event merchandise or offer you some running advice. The Event HQ will be based at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Checkpoints (CPs):

These are located approximately every 10KM. At each CP you will be ‘checked’ in by the CP staff and your time logged. This means we know where you are on the course and if you are late for a checkpoint we can assist you.

All the CPs will be stocked with energy bars, jelly babies, salty snacks, filled rolls, water, squash, coke, and hot drinks (at CP 2 and 3). At the finish point each day a bowl of hot homemade soup and bread roll will await you. CP close times will be issued to you along with your actions on the emergency card. The event medics will be available at the CP.

Transportation:

Each day you will be instructed to meet at the event HQ and then be transported to the start. Once you join Votwo on the event you can leave your car at the event HQ and take advantage of the Votwo minibusses. On completion of the days run you will be transported back to the event HQ.

Teams:

For those that wish to enter as a team, you may do so by emailing events@votwo.co.uk. There is an additional charge for teams as it incurs additional admin, medals & t-shirts per person. Teams may use the start and finish transportation, but if you wish to meet at a checkpoint and swap over you will be responsible for getting yourself to and from the checkpoints. Teams must also at registration make sure that the HQ has everyone's mobile number and emergency details. The booking will be under the group leader who will be responsible for organizing the team.

Medical assistance:

The course is covered by the medical support team. Every morning at challenge registration the medics will be available to sort out any blisters, tape feet up etc.

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Catering:

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Acadamy’s restaurant is providing the catering. Food vouchers are purchased at the event. Breakfast is £6 and the 2-course evening meal is £11 (prices as of 2019). The chef is briefed to make large, healthy portions suitable for people running a marathon a day! Please note prices might change.

Meals start on Thursday evening and finish on Sunday evening. The catering hall is located next to the HQ area at the Sailing Academy and provides a great social atmosphere in the evening, beer, wine and soft drinks available.

Running groups and daily start times:

There are two start groups each day.

Group 1 is predominately for walkers and slower runners. Group 1 starts first each day.

Group 2 is for runners and faster runners.

The briefing, bus and start times for each group on each day of the challenge will be provided in the pre-event information pack.

Your start group will be assigned for you. Start lists will be published two weeks before the event here.

Kit list:

Whilst taking part in the challenge it is compulsory for you to carry the following equipment. We will be enforcing the policy of no kit, no run. If the worst happens to you any of the below kit could really make a difference to your survival and wellbeing.

Essential kit: (to be carried on your person or in your rucksack)

A means of navigation
Actions on sheet (issued at registration)
Whistle
Compass (make sure your compass is attached to you or your kit)
Waterproof top
Long trousers or tights
Gloves (waterproofed in a plastic freezer bag)
Hat (waterproofed in a plastic freezer bag)
Chocolate bar or similar
Small torch with spare batteries
More than 400ml of water or other drink
A lightweight piece of warm clothing (waterproofed)
A fully charged working mobile phone (waterproofed)
A notepad and pencil with your name and your mobile number written on it (waterproofed)

You must carry all the kit on the kit list. No exceptions.

Accommodation:

As Weymouth and Portland are well provided for holiday towns there is no shortage of accommodation available. Here are a couple of suggestions below. Be sure to book early!

The Chesil Beach Holiday Park. 01305833103
The Royal Breakwater Hotel, Castletown, Portland, 01350 820476
Portland Heights Hotel, Yeates Road, Tophill, Portland, 01305 821361
The Portland Lodge, Easton Lane, Portland, 01305 860269
Hotel Aqua, Castletown, Portland, 01305 860269
Cove Holiday Park, Pennsylvania Road, Wakeham, Portland, 01305 821286
Swallows Rest, (Offers camping and motorhome hookups) Martleaves Farm, South Road, Weymouth, 01305 78525
If any competitors would like to stay on site in a campervan @ HQ, they will need to book a space via http://www.wpnsa.org.uk/campervans-and-caravans or by calling reception on 01305 866000. The cost is £25 per night (2024 price).