- Sun 21 Dec 2025
10:00
Age 16 & over
£32
- 19 km trail running + 446 ft ascent
Event overview
So why the name, then? A lesson in history is required:
Highlights
- The chosen route follows a branch line that ran from Bath to Bournemouth through the counties of Dorset and Somerset.
- Known as the Somerset and Dorset, it was more commonly called the S & D, or as its regular users called it, the Slow and Dirty!
- This rather unkind name was due to the fact that the trains were constantly stopping at multiple village stops and never seemed to make good headway.
- Also, because it wasn’t particularly profitable, the engines and carriages were never the newest or cleanest.
- Sadly, like many minor lines, it closed in 1966. In 2013, it was reopened as a wonderful addition to the leisure facilities in the area, providing a fabulous path for cyclists, runners, walkers and horse riders.
- This fun trail race with a festive twist has been developed around this route!
Runners of all abilities are welcome, and you are encouraged to bring your dog or buggy if you wish.
This event is part of Slow and Dirty.
Event photos
Event community
Isabelle A.
John D.
- Average fitness
- Dogs allowed at venue
- Event village
- Fancy dress
- Newcomers
Family-friendly
This event will be a not-too-serious family occasion to enjoy in the run-up to Christmas. If a trail event could ever be described as weather-proof, this is it, as the surface is good all the way and there is minimal incline. Feel free to dress in your festive kit!
- Distance markers
- Marshals
- Mass start
- No headphones
- Point to point
- Return transport
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Way markers
- GPX available
GPX route
The route is displayed on the map above.
The route is fully marked with direction markers and signs every km. The first aid station is at Stourpaine sports club, where loos are available. The second is situated in the meadows just behind M&S in Blandford. There is plenty of parking at both sites making them ideal for supporters to meet.
- Bar
- Cafe
- Toilets
Event HQ
Sturminster Newton
Sturminster Newton
Sturminster Newton
Dorset
DT10
UK
Event transport
Pre-booked transport (£12) will be available to take you from the finish to the start, you can re-join your car at the end of the race.
Parking
Those who want to drive to the start will find plenty of parking in Sturminster Newton. The finish point is a few hundred meters from ‘The Shack’ bar at Clapcotts Farm, Spetisbury, where parking is available.
- Drinks
- Medal
- Snacks
- Trophy
Finishers will receive:
Included
- A magnificent medal
- Festive mulled wine or cider
- A mince pie
Optional extras
- The bar will also be open for drinks, snacks and coffee
- Transport is bookable from the finish to start and vise versa at the end of the race
- Age 16 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
Entry fees
Entry fee
£32.00
Other races at event
- Sun 21 Dec
- #2 of 0
10:00
Age 16 & over
£32
- 19 km trail running + 446 ft ascent