Race the Sun | Jurassic Coast Off-Road

Provisional timetable

Friday

• 18:00-20:00 | Team registration

  Teams will be allocated a time to attend the event HQ to sign in, pick up race numbers, drop off transition bags and have their bikes checked over to ensure that you’re all ship shape and race ready in the morning.

Saturday

• 07:00-08:00 | Event start

  Teams depart in waves. Teams will be allocated a start wave closer to the event.

• 16:00-19:00 | Party time

  Grab a bevvie as you cross the line, then chill out with your teammates and supporters over a bite to eat! Food and drink is available for registered participants only; there will not be an option for supporters to purchase anything on-site, but they are more than welcome to bring their own to join the fun.

• 19:00-20:00 | Event closes

  Teams say farewell and depart with a huge achievement - you've Raced the Sun!

Who is it for?

Race the Sun serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to lay down a fast time, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating day with friends and family.

It's achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to train beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy it.

Some teams will complete the challenge in as little as five hours and others will take the whole day. Some teams want to compete for the fastest time and others want to simply complete the course – it’s really up to you!

It’s a great incentive to get fit and work different muscles, knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time.

Bike type

Gravel, hard-tail mountain bike or e-bike. Not road or hybrid.

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Fancy dress award

There is a Best Dressed Team Award for those who want to go the extra mile! It's about having fun and raising money for charity.

Spectators

Why not make a weekend of it with friends and family?! Supporters will be able to join you at the event HQ, then track your progress live online.

Event HQ

King George Playing Field
12 Northbrook Road
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 1AR
UK

Factfile

• The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile long stretch of coastline in southern England.
• It is the only place on Earth where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods can be seen in one place.
• It is England’s first and only natural World Heritage Site.

Overview

Everyone will start and finish the challenge and stages at the event hub in Swanage. Each team will cycle, canoe and hike around the route.

Stage 1 - Bike 21 miles

After a hearty breakfast, you'll embark on a 21-mile ride through Dorset that packs a punch with some steep ascents and some thrilling descents.

The route takes in a huge mix of riding surfaces including dusty gravel trails, roads through the heart of Corfe and chalky ascents across Ballard Down.

The highlight of the route is a descent to Old Harry Rocks with a breathtaking vista of the Chalk Stacks with the Isle of Wight in the background across Poole and Bournemouth Bay.

Stage 2 - Hike 10 miles

The 10-mile circular route sets off from the charming Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, passing the pier and lifeboat station at the heart of this small fishing village.

After Peveril Point, which shelters Swanage Bay, the route climbs to Durlston Head, the official start of the Jurassic Coast.

The route follows the South West Coast Path passing nautical navigation makers and Anvil Point Lighthouse and onto Blackers Hole and Dancing Ledge. At Seacombe Cliff, the route heads inland climbing up Secombe Bottom and accessing the Priest’s Way before returning through rural farmland and back into Swanage.

Stage 3 - Paddle

Launching from the beautiful sandy beach in Swanage, teams will take to the sea in 2-person kayaks where they will be treated to impressive views of towering Ballard Cliffs, which rise out of the water from Swanage Bay.

The 2-mile circular route will be laid out with buoys. No kayak experience is necessary, and you'll be provided with everything you need. Just bring some clothes you don't mind getting wet, and a sense of adventure!

Celebration

After completing all three challenges, it's time to kick back and chill out with teammates, friends, and family. Enjoy a bite to eat and a drink on us as you celebrate your achievement and relive the highlights of the day!

Challenge yourself, respect the planet

The organisers are committed to ensuring that Race the Sun is rewarding for participants, and the local community, by promoting sustainable practices such as car sharing, reducing travel mileage by sourcing items locally, supporting local communities by using local suppliers, and encouraging all teams to hang on to all rubbish until it can be disposed of or recycled accordingly.

Included

• Safety briefing
• Training plan
• Breakfast, packed lunch, drinks and snacks
• Team awards and finishers medal
• Canoe or kayak equipment
• Bike mechanics and first aiders
• Marshals and signage
• Timing tracker and GPX route files
• Instant live results
• Food and drink at the finish line

Not Included

• Bikes and helmets
• Accommodation if required
• Travel to and from the event
• Personal clothing
• Personal spending money
• Insurance

Bikes and helmets

Gravel, hard-tail mountain bike or e-bike. Not road or hybrid.

You will provide your own bike which should be in good working order. Getting your bike serviced before the event is recommended.

On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

E-bikes

In the interests of fairness using an e-bike means the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Action Medical Research

Race the Sun is organised by children’s charity, Action Medical Research.

Action Medical Research has been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years.

They have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy, helping to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more. Today they continue to tackle the challenges disease and disability present by funding high-quality research to save and change children’s lives and are driving forward research to help protect children.

By taking part, not only will you have a great time with first-class support throughout the day, but you’ll also be helping to raise vital funds to help sick and disabled babies and children.

Fundraising

• 2-person team

  £120 registration fee + £1,000 fundraising 

• 4-person team

  £240 registration fee + £2,000 fundraising 

• Self-funded

  No fundraising target, but you're still encouraged to raise as much as you can to help and save little lives.  

Jack was born extremely prematurely at 25 weeks, weighing just 1lb 15oz.

He needed oxygen, help with his breathing and feeding tubes to survive. He suffered a collapsed lung and brain bleeds and contracted the potentially deadly bowel infection necrotising enterocolitis. Jack went on to endure many more serious health problems and spent four and a half months in hospital fighting to survive before he was finally allowed home. Jack's mum is so grateful for the work that Action does:

It is so important that studies like those funded by Action Medical Research are done. Without research, we wouldn’t have medical advances, and Jack probably wouldn’t be here.

16-17 year olds must be accompanied by their parent or guardian throughout the challenge.

Entry fees

Great event, brilliant support staff and fab atmosphere! Tori H

Loved every moment of this event! The event was well organised and the atmosphere was great! Andrew A

One of the best races I’ve ever done. Incredible energy and great support! Chantal M

A really enjoyable event and so lucky with the weather. Good communications in preparation and all event staff were friendly and helpful. Easy parking and registration and never felt overly crowded. James S

We took part in the Jurassic Coast race the sun event yesterday. We hadn't taken anything like this on before but can honestly say it's definitely light a flame for me and I will be booking at least 1 event of not a couple for next year. We had a great time a really well run event, everyone involved was so friendly and couldn't do enough help. We meet some great people throughout the day. I would definitely recommend to people thinking about booking for future events to just do it and give it a go. Highly recommended. Chris R

Very well organised event, beautiful scenery, cracking day, friendly and helpful staff. Thoroughly recommended. Andrew K

Race The Sun, Jurassic Coast was absolutely outstanding in all areas! Hands down the best event I’ve ever done. From the communication, staff support before and after the event, stunning route, food quality and safety , I couldn’t fault anything! And most of all it was so much fun with great people!!! I want to complete them all!! Thank you Action Medical Research for such a great day! We are going to be buzzing for weeks to come! Mrs C

The event was incredible and we were all really impressed how well it was all organised. The food provided before, during and after the race was amazing. The signage around the course was great. The logistics on the day and the communication leading up to the event was perfect. Matthew B

We had a fantastic weekend, and loved the novelty of doing 3 different disciplines. What took the event from being really good to being really special was the atmosphere created by the Action staff and the other participants who were all incredible! Finisher

Really helpful staff, never made to feel silly. The fact that a medal and drink and bbq are included was really fantastic. Anna G

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck