With a range of distances on offer, The Jurassic Coast Challenge has something for every runner and walker – from The Bridport 10K loop up to the 100km ultra from Corfe Castle to Bridport. No matter which challenge you choose, there will be no shortage of stunning scenery, with every route reflecting just how beautiful the Jurassic Coast really is.
What is the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
Taking place on – as the name would suggest – the Jurassic Coast, the Jurassic Coast Challenge is an annual event which sees runners and walkers take on different distances across the picturesque coastline.
Recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, the Jurassic Coast remains the nation's only natural World Heritage site. The area, which spans 95 miles of coastline from Dorset to East Devon, gained its name – and World Heritage status – thanks to its unique insight into Earth sciences. The coastline depicts a geological 'walk through time' spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.
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What is the route of the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
The full, continuous 100K Jurassic Coast Challenge route takes participants from Corfe Castle to Bridport – a postcard-perfect Dorset coastal town – with over 2,300m of climb. Along the course, you’ll run across the Isle of Purbeck to Swanage, along the coast, before looping back towards Corfe Castle for lunch at 25km.
Then, it’s west along the Purbeck Ridge to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, with a halfway(ish) stop at 58km for hot food. The route then takes you to the far end of Chesil Beach (the word chessil means ‘gravel’ or ‘shingle’, providing you with a key clue about the terrain) before heading to West Bay (a filming location for the TV drama Broadchurch), where you’ll see those famous sandstone cliffs. There are also four UTMB points on offer for completing this challenge.
There’s also an option to complete the 100km across two days, which allows participants to see the whole course in daylight. So, if you’re more concerned about the views than finishing in a certain time, you can camp or book local accommodation at the 58km mark in Weymouth before tackling the final 42km the following day.
You can also do the 3/4 challenge, which takes you on a 76km route across the Jurassic Coast – so you’re still very much in ultramarathon territory with that option. There’s also a 58km version of the challenge, a 42km option, another (new) 42km option – the Weymouth Marathon – a 34km option, a 25km option, and finally, a 10K option.
Also new for this year is the Ultra March option, where runners can walk the 100K distance (jogging/running is strictly banned – brisk walking only), but you must do so in under 24 hours.
When is the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
All of the 2025 Jurassic Coast Challenge events will take place across the 17 and 18 May weekend.
Bar the 10K Bridport Loop, all challenges begin on Saturday 17 May.
How many aid stations does the Jurassic Coast Challenge have?
For the continuous 100K Jurassic Coast Challenge, participants can expect aid stations every 10-15K, including toilets, massage, changing rooms, medics, rest areas, hot drinks, water and snacks.
Additionally, as well as a medal and t-shirt, finishers will also be met with a cooked breakfast when they cross the line.
It’s the same situation for the other distances – you can expect support (and all-important snacks) every 10-15km.
What is the cut-off time for the Jurassic Coast Challenge?
Accessibility and inclusivity are at the heart of the Jurassic Coast Challenge, and the official site includes estimated finish times for each event for runners, joggers and walkers.
Each event’s cut-off time is based on a maximum walking time for each challenge, which can be found on the official site. For example, the maximum walking time for the full 100K challenge is 34 hours, with the specific cut-off time being 9.30pm. Therefore, organisers advise using this guide to pick an appropriate start time to enable you to meet the cut-off times.
How much does the Jurassic Coast Challenge cost?
If you’re self-funding, prices range from £39 for the 10K challenge to £199 for the full 100K ultra. You’ve also got the option to register for a charity place, where you’ll pay a considerably smaller registration fee but will be required to meet a fundraising target.
