Portland Coastal Marathon

Portland Coastal Race: A Challenging Early Season Benchmark
On Sunday, February 14, 2027, the Portland Coastal race returns to Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. This self-navigation coastal trail event on the South West Coast Path offers marathon, half-marathon, and a 10k option for runners seeking an early-season challenge.
The route follows the rugged terrain of the South West Coast Path around Portland Island. Marathon participants will complete two loops around the island, while those running the half-marathon or 10k distances will tackle single loop sections. This is no flat and fast course; it's a trail run that demands endurance on exposed coastal paths.
Participants must download the GPX file in advance to navigate the route accurately using their own devices. No specific markers are provided, so runners need to follow the guidelines carefully: keep the sea on your left for loop one and switch to keeping it on your right for loop two during the second lap of the marathon course. Deviation from this path can lead to disqualification.
Race amenities include a bespoke Portland Coastal finisher medal, trophies for top three male and female runners in each distance category, checkpoint refreshments, professional medical coverage, chip timing, free race photography, and a Portland Coastal buff. An optional technical T-shirt is available for purchase at £15.
The event requires participants to carry essential safety gear throughout the run due to February's unpredictable coastal weather conditions. This includes a minimum of 500ml fluid capacity, windproof jacket (waterproof recommended), emergency nutrition, head covering, charged and waterproofed mobile phone, foil blanket or full-size bin liner, whistle, and a small first aid kit.
Traditional earbuds are not permitted; however, bone-conduction devices like Shokz headphones are allowed to ensure safety while adhering to the self-navigation requirement. Kit checks may occur before, during, and after the race for top 10 male and female finishers as well as randomly selected participants.
Entry is limited to a total of 500 runners, so interested athletes should secure their spots early to avoid disappointment. The Portland Coastal Race promises an authentic coastal trail experience that tests both physical endurance and mental fortitude in one of the UK's most scenic yet challenging settings.