Bournemouth Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The Bournemouth Half Marathon is the marquee event of the Run Bournemouth festival on England's south coast, run each October along the route that once carried the city's full marathon before that distance was discontinued after 2020. Starting at Hengistbury Head, the course hugs the Dorset coastline through Southbourne and Boscombe, passing both Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier before finishing on Westover Road in the heart of Bournemouth. Runners are rewarded with sweeping views of Poole Bay and the English Channel, on-course hydration and gels, a finisher medal, keyring, and wicking t-shirt. The 2026 edition takes place on Sunday, October 11, alongside the festival's Supersonic 10K, Supernova 5K, and junior races. Entrants must be at least 17 years old on race day, and charity places are available through partners including the Terrence Higgins Trust, British Heart Foundation, and Macmillan Cancer Support.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Hengistbury Head
Boscombe Pier
Bournemouth Pier
Westover Road
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Bournemouth, Dorset, United Kingdom
GB
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 17 on event day
- Self-propelled entry only for wheelchair and handcycle participants
Required Documents
- Photo ID for late/on-the-day number collection
- Signed medical declaration on registration
Entry Methods
- Online via runbournemouth.com
- Charity partner allocation (guaranteed place with fundraising pledge)
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entries are non-refundable and non-deferrable per the official Run Bournemouth terms; participants are advised to purchase event insurance.
Course follows the former Bournemouth Marathon route, largely flat with a coastal breeze
Event shuttle buses run from Westover Road, Cotlands Road Car Park, and Sovereign Centre; no dedicated parking is provided
Wheelchair and handcycle entries welcome (self-propelled only)
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