Bournemouth Half Marathon

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Introduction

Run along the beautiful Bournemouth coastline, conquer 13.1 miles, and be part of an incredible running experience at the Bournemouth Half Marathon.

The course takes in both Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers, offering stunning ocean views and a vibrant seaside atmosphere. This really is running as it should be.

Taking place in October, this allows time for training and building up to the distance throughout the Spring and Summer months, making this a very achievable goal for first-time half-marathon runners.

Experience the buzz of the finish area at Bournemouth Pier Approach, which promises cheering crowds and a fabulous medal and finisher t-shirt to wear with pride.

Highlights

• Start at the spectacular and beautiful Hengistbury Head
• 5 miles along clifftops with awesome views over the coastline
• Along the promenade then to the end of Boscombe Pier
• Alongside Bournemouth's award-winning blue flag beaches
• Enjoy the feel of the wooden boards of Bournemouth Pier underfoot
• Finish on Bournemouth Pier Approach

Map

Route description

The Bournemouth Half Marathon starts at the spectacular and beautiful Hengistbury Head, which forms the main division between Poole and Christchurch bays.

The first 5 miles of the route makes its way along the cliff tops affording participants the very best views of the coastline before dropping down onto the seafront. You continue to take in the beautiful coastal views as you run along the promenade with Boscombe Pier in sight.

A short incline at mile 8 brings you back up to the overcliff to enjoy a new view of Bournemouth Pier and Poole beyond. Passing Russell Coates Museum on the way down to Pier Approach you’ll get a taste of the glorious finish line that awaits you, but not before once again enjoying the run out to end of Boscombe Pier where you enjoy the feel of the wooden pier boards beneath you.

Once final stretch on the promenade, alongside Bournemouth’s award-winning blue flag beaches before you once again tread the boards of your second pier, Bournemouth Pier. This Pier was first constructed in 1856 and has undergone numerous transformations over the years, with the addition of the Bournemouth Pier Theatre in 1959. Take it all in before you start your sprint finish through your much anticipated finish line on Bournemouth Pier Approach. 

Event HQ

Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 5AA
UK

Seven miles of golden coastline, world-class water quality and unbeatable sea views — Bournemouth’s beaches set the perfect stage for an unforgettable weekend by the shore.

Included

• Wicking finisher's t-shirt
• Finisher's medal and distance keyring
• Finisher's pack
• Personalised event number with accurate timing chip
• Event baggage facilities
• Hydration and energy gel on route
• Hydration and nutrition at the finish
• Results posted in your account within 48 hours
• Fantastic running experience

A fantastic half marathon with just one decent climb at 8 miles to break it up! Apart from that the course is flat and fast and would be quick on the right day with low wind! Highly recommended and the course is beautiful along the beach! Rob A

First time visit here and I'll definitely return.. Marshals were great and so was the local support!! Good half marathon to make a weekend of it if not local! Stuart K

The route is very scenic and lovely views..  The finishers medal was really good and you get a few goodies. Tara N

There is something for everyone in the family from as little as 3-4 years old. Good atmosphere by the sea front. Fast course. Local support is good along the course. Bassem A

You get to run along both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers. Alison H

Great local support for a course with fantastic views. The downside of seaside routes is the wind, though! Harvey G

First time I had run this event and it was very well organised. It’s an out and back course taking in both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers. I would certainly recommend this race to other runners. Goodie bag was good too including medal and t-shirt. Ian D

All in all a very good half marathon, the views were fantastic and the initial organisation I thought was brilliant. Adam B

This is the first time I've ever done Bournemouth Half and I absolutely loved it. It has an early start so it's not for a later riser but walking to the start pen amid an autumn sunrise was lovely, if not rather chilly and you were finished by lunchtime. Simone E

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck

Sustainability overview

This event is committed to minimising its impact on the local environment, implemented in the following ways:

• Entries, marketing and runners' information online rather than paper
• Encourage public transport
• Communication with residents and businesses regarding road closures to reduce traffic congestion on the event weekend
• Reduce noise pollution
• Collect, recycle or repurpose waste wherever possible
• Donate unused food to food bank

Entry fees