White Star Running’s flagship event weekend returns and, as always, is so popular. Winning several awards for Britain’s Best Marathon over the years, it’s easy to see why runners love the feel of this event. Taking over the village of Sydling St Nicholas, the villagers welcome runners, making you part of the community for the weekend. 

This event weekend provides something for all the family, with two tough races on Saturday, a barn dance in the village hall for those who can still walk on Saturday evening, and then a fun Bell race on Sunday. The Bell race challenges anyone to take on the run to reach the top of the hill and do a task set by team at the top. Then, run down the hill with your medal clonking away like a proper Alpine Cow.

Both race routes are very, very challenging and hilly, running through the Sydling and Cerne valleys. It's certainly not for the faint hearted; it's a tough race, with some steep climbs, sharp descents and the most amazing views to reward yourself with. If you’re not sure what to expect, here’s a race review to help you get a feel for the race.

NEW FOR 2022. When you enter our races you will be able to opt out of receiving your finisher's goodies, which we usually hand out at the end of the race. Instead, the cost of your goody bag will be donated to the Wilder Dorset Appeal, and you can read more about that project here. If you don’t opt out, you will still get your goody bag, and you can optionally choose to make a personal contribution if you wish here. Every runner still gets a medal. 

The Bell race will open in April for pre-entry.

NEW for 2022 Giants Half Marathon – Giant’s Half to extend the weekend! Now, after much umming and aahing, we’ve worked with the village to create what will be the bestest half marathon in the world ever: the Giant’s Half Marathon (we spent ages on the title you can tell).It will be hilly; there will be an epic medal with a willy on it; you will be running over lots of the terrain that the marathon runs on… except it’s only half the way and you won’t be so tired.

Seriously, we realise Giant’s Head is a great weekend and not everyone can get in the marathon or hill race, and some of you don’t like to run that far. We have been working with the village to create this race, so they can earn some monies as the pandemic hit us all, including small villages in Dorset. We want to help.

We would also like to invite you to Sunday lunch at the Sydling Village Hall. Everyone invited. Roast dinners post-event, pay in advance; veggie and vegan available as well.

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