A Family Orientated Running Event
in Dorset's County Town of Dorchester
Hardy Half Will Return!
We were thrilled that the 2025 event which was the third "Hardy Half" was a huge success, with runners racing across farmland in a loop of the iconic Hardy Monument.
​We will soon be announcing that Dorchester will be hosting it's Hardy Half Trail running event again next year, along with its shorter version the Half Hardy Half (ish).
​Going on feedback from last year, the shorter route, was as successful as the full distance, even though it has less hills, so we will be providing it for a second year. This is a great way for those that want a taste of the Hardy Half race experience, but would prefer a shorter distance. So, what's stopping you joining us on what is becoming a major date in the local running calendar.
We couldn't run such an awesome event without volunteers. If you're interested in helping at the event, marshalling or at the event village, then please contact us.
The race is a joint venture between Dorchester RIOT running club, Dorchester Lions, Dorchester Rugby Football Club and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club. All the money raised goes to local charities. We hope this event will be a regular in the running and fund-raising calendar for years to come.
'' I would love to give a massive thumbs up for the race you held!
Absolutely loved event and will be back and also will recommend to others!''
Esther (flyingfeetrunning)
'' I ran/walked the inaugural Hardy Half with fellow Littledown Harriers and what a lovely race it is.
- Very well organised event with plenty of communication before the day.
- Great atmosphere, especially with the pre-event atmosphere.
- Friendly and welcoming locals, so many came out to cheer us on and there was even a couple of bands on the route.
- Marshals a plenty and again all so friendly and supportive. So much encouragement all the way round.
- A finishers medal of Hardys Monument, T-shirt and half a pint of beer at the end
- Wonderful, glorious scenery and many a hill.
Highly recommend this event''
Amy F - Littledown Harriers, Bournemouth
The 2023 event raised £1900 for Farming Community Network. The main beneficiary for the 2024 event was Dorset Search & Rescue (DorSAR) who received £1600.
For the 2025 event Yeovil Freewheelers (Blood Bikes) received £1100.
We encourage runners of all abilities and experience to take part, with a choice of two distances, a generous cut off time, plenty of aid stations and trophies for the winners in various categories.
About the routes….
Running through the stunning landscape immortalised by the famous writer Thomas Hardy, the Hardy Half's will take you on a tour of this fantastic area of Dorset countryside.
The majority of both the longer and shorter courses are trail, with some challenging terrain. The longer route gives around 1400 feet of elevation to climb. Road sections will be on closed for your safety, with generous cut off times. During the longer run you will pass through the picturesque village of Martinstown and circle Hardys Monument where you will be treated to far reaching views. This monument is dedicated to another famous Hardy, Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, a man made famous for being at the side of Nelson at the point of his untimely death on HMS Victory at the battle of Trafalger. The route heads down into Hells Bottom, appropriately named as you then turn to climb back towards Dorchester. Both routes will include a final climb of the western side of Britain's largest Iron Age fort, Maiden Castle, before finishing back at the rugby club for a well earned refreshment or two.
Kindly sponsored by:
