Run Bournemouth provides the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself on the beautiful and scenic South Coast for a cause close to your heart.
Thousands of runners will enjoy both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers on a stunning coastal route and hundreds of these will be charity runners ie. people who have secured a charity place in the event in return for raising funds for a charity.
Every year these incredible charity runners raise vital funds for a range of important causes. You too can get a guaranteed place in the event and make a positive difference at the same time by running for one of these charities.
Charities buy places in this event, then give them to runners who agree to raise money for the charity – these are called charity places. Charity places are a great way to support a good cause and get a place in the event, especially if general entries have sold out.
Committing to raising money for charity gives you motivation to get outside and run, plus all of these extras which will elevate your event experience:
Charities know that raising money is all part of the challenge, which is why they provide advice, branded materials and a personalised online fundraising page to help the donations roll in. Think eye-catching videos for social and traditional collection tins too.
Whether this is your first or fifth half marathon, you'll need to train for it! You'll receive an in-depth training plan with guidance, plus many charities have access to expert coaches and elite runners too, who can provide exclusive tips for your race preparation.
When you turn up in Bournemouth, people need to be able to see clearly that you're supporting a charity. Most charities will give you a branded and personalised t-shirt or vest to wear with pride on the big day, and often kit you out with a training top too.
When you're partway through your run and your energy is flagging, what you need is a boost from cheering spectators to keep you moving. Many charities set up a cheer station along the route, keeping an eye out for you to send up a huge cheer as you run past!
Refreshments and an indulgent post-race sports massage are often provided by charities for their runners. This is the perfect way to recover alongside other people who have run for that cause and savour the fresh sea air too
You won't be the only person running for that charity, so it's well worth meeting other runners through the charity's invite-only social media pages! You can organise to meet up for training runs, chat with the charity's expert coaches and share tips and stories with each other to keep the motivation levels running high.
The Bournemouth Half Marathon and charity fundraising go hand-in-hand - which charity will you run for?
A weekend festival of running with a range of distances for all abilities:
Bournemouth Parks - Lower Gardens
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH2 5AA
UK
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Enjoy a weekend away with the whole family and soak up the sun, sea and sand of Bournemouth's famous beaches.
Run along the beautiful Bournemouth coastline, conquer 13.1 miles, and be part of an incredible running experience at the Bournemouth Half Marathon.
The course takes in both Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers, offering stunning ocean views and a vibrant seaside atmosphere. This really is running as it should be.
Taking place in October, this allows time for training and building up to the distance throughout the Spring and Summer months, making this a very achievable goal for first time half-marathon runners.
Experience the buzz of the finish area at Bournemouth Pier Approach, which promises cheering crowds, and a fabulous medal and finisher t-shirt to wear with pride.
The Bournemouth Half Marathon starts at the spectacular and beautiful Hengistbury Head, which forms the main division between Poole and Christchurch bays.
The first 5 miles of the route makes its way along the cliff tops affording participants the very best views of the coastline before dropping down onto the seafront. You continue to take in the beautiful coastal views as you run along the promenade with Boscombe Pier in sight.
A short incline at mile 8 brings you back up to the overcliff to enjoy a new view of Bournemouth Pier and Poole beyond. Passing Russell Coates Museum on the way down to Pier Approach you’ll get a taste of the glorious finish line that awaits you, but not before once again enjoying the run out to end of Boscombe Pier where you enjoy the feel of the wooden pier boards beneath you.
Once final stretch on the promenade, alongside Bournemouth’s award-winning blue flag beaches before you once again tread the boards of your second pier, Bournemouth Pier. This Pier was first constructed in 1856 and has undergone numerous transformations over the years, with the addition of the Bournemouth Pier Theatre in 1959. Take it all in before you start your sprint finish through your much anticipated finish line on Bournemouth Pier Approach.
This event is committed to minimising its impact on the local environment, implemented in the following ways:
Wondering whether to run for charity but unsure how to fundraise? Charities are experts in this topic and will provide the reassurance you need but here are some tips get you started:
Starting your fundraising early gives you the best chance of reaching – and even exceeding – your sponsorship goal.
Keep talking about your fundraising target to your friends, family, colleagues, social media followers - everyone!
Seize the chance to make it your own: sell unwanted clothing online, hold an afternoon tea, host a ticketed dinner party, wash some cars, shave your beard; be inspired!
A fantastic half marathon with just one decent climb at 8 miles to break it up! Apart from that the course is flat and fast and would be quick on the right day with low wind! Highly recommended and the course is beautiful along the beach! Rob A
First time visit here and I'll definitely return.. Marshals were great and so was the local support!! Good half marathon to make a weekend of it if not local! Stuart K
The route is very scenic and lovely views.. The finishers medal was really good and you get a few goodies. Tara N
There is something for everyone in the family from as little as 3-4 years old. Good atmosphere by the sea front. Fast course. Local support is good along the course. Bassem A
You get to run along both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers. Alison H
Great local support for a course with fantastic views. The downside of seaside routes is the wind, though! Harvey G
First time I had run this event and it was very well organised. It’s an out and back course taking in both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers. I would certainly recommend this race to other runners. Goodie bag was good too including medal and t-shirt. Ian D
All in all a very good half marathon, the views were fantastic and the initial organisation I thought was brilliant. Adam B
This is the first time I've ever done Bournemouth Half and I absolutely loved it. It has an early start so it's not for a later riser but walking to the start pen amid an autumn sunrise was lovely, if not rather chilly and you were finished by lunchtime. Simone E
Reviews thanks to RaceCheck
