Entries open for North Dorset Village Marathon

The North Dorset Village Marathon is, as the name suggests, set in the beautiful countryside of rural North Dorset. The undulating course is a real treat. The organisers, Gillingham Trotters Running Club, are noted for the attention to detail they put in to all their races, and this, their flagship event is certainly no exception.

Along the picturesque, well-marked route, runners will find smiling helpful marshals, ample water stations, on route toilets and even have the option to have their own personal drinks and provisions ferried out onto the course.

The fun doesn’t end at the finish line though. Apart from the warm glow of having completed a marathon, runners are rewarded for their efforts with an enamelled medal and a technical tee. Many competitors will be keen to replace those lost calories as quickly as possible and so all runners are entitled to a free hog roast (or vegetarian equivalent), not forgetting of course the amble snacks and drinks, including beer, that are provided at the finish line.

Of course running a full marathon isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But fear not, there’s a relay event to cater for those who don’t fancy the full distance. The relay is for teams of four and takes place at the same time over the same course (details available on the event website).

Entry into this year’s race will be particularly sought after due to its inclusion in the Dorset Road Race League, so act quickly if you wish to secure one of the 400 places.

The cost of entry is £28 (£30 unaffiliated). Postal closing date is 23rd April, with no entries on the day.

Further details can be found at http://www.ndvm.co.uk