Saturday August 17th is a key date in the diary for all runners from Dorset and beyond!

An evening event to avoid the heat of the day, and see the sunflowers at their best, we hope you will join us for 5k and 10k races.

The 5k is open to accompanied runners age 13 and above, the 10k to runners 16 and above.

After meeting in the large grassy carpark just outside the lovely county town of Dorchester, runners weave their way through the mighty sunflower plants before joining bridleways to take them to the stunning Maiden Castle, Europe’s largest Hill Fort.

We have fully marked 5k and 10k routes, which include an aid station. Both involve a fair elevation, but you will be rewarded with outstanding views to Weymouth in the South, and Hardy’s Monument to the West. The routes are not too challenging, so suitable for runners of all abilities. Canicross to be confirmed!!

On return runners will be presented with a fabulous Sunflower medal, and food and a licenced bar will be in attendance.

The Sunflower Trail donates a considerable sum each year to the Dorchester Hospital Charity, and this event will also support them.

Key Points

• • Race Venue​​The Dorset Sunflower Trail, Maiden Castle road Dorchester, DT2 9PP
• • Timing​​​Registration opens 15.30   10k race starts 17.00, 5k 17.30
• • Race Numbers​Collected on the day
• • Dogs​​​None on the venue please.

Introduction

The event is designed to be a fun filled evening in a very beautiful area of Dorset. 

Although we aim to please all abilities, this venue is not suited to out and out racing and the quest for a new PB! We will no doubt encounter the public on the castle, have a number of gates to open and close, a couple of road crossings (10k) and the section through the Sunflowers is narrow and twisty.

On the plus side we have incredible views, cider, sunflowers, real ale, big hills, hog roast, and more sunflowers.

We are also raising money for the Dorset County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

DIRECTIONS

Firstly, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO MAIDEN CASTLE FARM! Although we are on their land you cannot access the venue from the farm, rather you must follow signs to Maiden Castle (brown tourist signs). This is a no-through road just beyond Tesco’s within the town by-pass. We will have the normal Race Event signs out in key positions. 

It’s simple. From which ever direction you are coming, get on the A35 Dorchester by-pass and turn in towards town at the Tesco (A354 Weymouth junction) roundabout. Head in towards town for approximately ½ a mile then take the left-hand turn sign posted Maiden Castle and continue on this road for approximately 1 mile to reach the venue carpark.

W3W  sunflower.badminton.basher      Postcode DT2 9PP  www.maidencastlefarm.co.uk/find-us

CAR PARKING AND LOOS

A large grass carpark suitable for all types of vehicles is situated a short distance from the sign-on area, here you will find refreshments and loos.

SIGN ON AND START

Find your way to the race admin tent to collect your numbers. We will have safety pins, but please bring ones from previous events if you can to save on cost and wastage. 

Please pin your number in clear view on your chest.

The 10k race starts at 17.00 and the 5k at 17.30

A short race briefing will be given before each race.

In the start area there will be a simple bar where beer, cider, pims and gin will be available, and a hog roast will be in attendance along with meat free options. Non alcoholic drinks are available in the normal refreshment area. Loos are situated here too.

Access to the Sunflower trail for NON RUNNERS is available on a pay on the day basis, and is not included in the runners entry fee.

ON THE COURSE

Both routes take you on a variety of terrain, involve hill, pasture land, stubble fields and small sections of road/road crossings. Please be alert to livestock, faming activities and road traffic.

Part of the route is over private land not normally open to the public. The farmer has entrusted me with permission for access over his land to enable us to make a great route. Please respect this, and recognise that this access is a pure one-off for race day. As with all other land we cross please respect other trail users, faming activities and livestock.

Road crossings will be marshalled and signage in place to warn both vehicles and runners of the hazards. Please be sure to close any gate that you find shut.

We recommend you have What3words on your phone, my number (07860 590488) and the medics numberCraig Poate 07914 850734.  An aid station is located approximately half way round the 10k course where a wide variety of snacks are on offer (sweets, savouries, fruit etc) and drink (flat coke, water) Please note that this is a CUPLESS RACE. Drinks will be on a top-up basis, so please bring your own vessel. We will have collapsible cups for sale at sign-on.

The course will be well marked with red arrows on a white background. Warnings of turns and road crossings are also in place. The 10k has a total elevation of 222m, and the 5k 110. Distances are not exact, as we have towork with the terrain, farm access and weaving in and out of the sunflowers!

Male and female sweepers will be bringing up the rear, to deal with any problems slower runners may have encountered and to check the route is clear.

AT THE FINISH

We are using a different timing system at this event, very similar to the one used at Parkrun. Please stay in order as you pass through the finishing funnel. Results will be available about 30 minutes after the race, a link will be made available on the tricounties FB page to get the results.

Medals will be awarded to all finishers, and trophies for male/female 1,2,3 in both races.