BEAT THE FERRY
Race starts
Route Highlights
Beat the Ferry is a unique 50km coastal trail race on the dramatic Dorset coast, starting on Studland Beach beside the iconic chain ferry. The route follows sand, national trails and the Purbeck Way before turning back for a fast, runnable out-and-back finish. One runner is chosen to be “the Ferry”, starting at the back and moving steadily through the field. Your goal is simple: finish ahead of them.
50 Epic Kilometers
Highlights: Knoll Beach, Sandbanks Chain Ferry, Studland Beach, Old Harry Rocks, Purbeck Way, Corfe Castle, South West Coast Path.
You’ll run past many other epic sites until reaching the turn around at Grange Hill, head back to complete the adventure in reverse.
Highlights
Kilometers
Climb (m)
Hours
July
Difficulty
Aid stations
8am Race Starts
Run 50k
Finish in under 10 hours
Can you beat the ferry
One runner is chosen to be the Ferry.
They start at the very back of the field, clearly marked and impossible to miss. From that moment on, they move steadily through the race.
This is your challenge: finish ahead of the Ferry and you’ve beaten it.
Those who beat the Ferry earn a special goodie bag. Everyone receives a distinctive finisher medal, full recognition, and the satisfaction of completing one of the most memorable coastal runs in the UK.
Can you beat the ferry?
Race Info
Saturday 11 July – Race Day
06:00 – National Trust Car Park opens / Registration opens
– Bib collection,
– Finish bag drop off,
– Kit Shop.
Meet the team, final questions, and last-minute prep.
07:30 – Start line
Race Briefing at the start line.
08:00 – Knoll Beach
Beat the Ferry 50k – Race Start
18:00 – Shell Bay Beach
Beat the Ferry 50k – Race Finish
Finishers will be transported back to the start line from Shell Bay Finish line.
- Water bottle / bladder capable of carrying 1 litre of water
- .GPX file (You must upload to your phone or watch)
- Fully charged Mobile phone with race medic and race director. Numbers will be emailed pre-race
- Foil survival blanket
- 2 Energy bars or gels
- Reusable cup
* In the event of bad weather a water proof jacket (Gortex or similar, taped seams, minimum 10,000 mm+).
How many Aid Stations are there?
There are 5 aid stations
Dietary
Expect proper fuelling options all day, including vegan friendly and gluten free choices. If you have any specific requirements, please drop us an email well in advance of race day and we’ll try to cater.
Toilets
There are toilets at the start and finish area, approximately 6km into the race on the South South West Coast path, the main Life Base at Corfe and shortly after leaving Corfe aid station. You will pass these toilets again on the way back.
Are there any road crossings?
YES. The road crossing on Ulwell Road will be marshalled both on the way out and the way back. Other minor road crossings WILL NOT BE MARSHALED. All runners undertake this race at their own risk and must take responsibility for crossing all roads safely.
Are there any gates on the trail?
There are a number of gates on route, please ensure you close each gate behind you.
Will the course be marked?
Yes. The course will be marked.
What facilities will be available at the start line?
There will be toilets at Knoll Beach Car Park and at Race HQ. You will need to pay for parking at Knoll Beach Cafe or scan a valid National Trust membership card.
We will supply feminine hygiene products at race HQ before the race and at the Corfe Aid station.
What will be available at the finish line?
Transport back to Race HQ (Knoll House Hotel) via mini bus.
Can I have a finish bag at the finish line?
Yes, we can transport your belongings to the finish line, just let us know at registration check-in / bib collection.
What’s your refund/transfer policy?
Entries are non-refundable. Optional refund cover will be offered at checkout and is managed by a third-party provider. Entries may not be transferred or resold except via our official ticketing partner, Race Space. Name changes are subject to a £5 administration fee and must be completed using the formal process.
What should I do if I need to pull out during the race?
If you need to drop out, ensure you do so at an aid station. Please hand in your race bib at the aid station to confirm you have dropped from the race. If you need to drop out away from an aid station in a medical emergency phone Race HQ immediately.
Will there be medical support on route?
Yes. TBA.
Can I receive supplies on route from friends/family?
No. You are not allowed to receive any supplies during the race. Nor are you allowed to stash anything on route. All our aid stations will supply you with everything you need. In the event of a hot day we will see if we can add an additional basic aid station.
Are pacers allowed?
No.
Can I run with my dog?
No.
Does the route pass through the Naturist part of Studland beach?
Yes, near the start and again at the end.
Does it matter if I can’t keep up with “the Ferry”?
No at all. This is just for a bit of fun. Remember, run your own race. Enjoy the stunning scenery and have a great day out on the trails.
Is there a qualifying standard for Beat the Ferry?
No. The minimum age is 20 years old.
Is this race suitable for my first ultra marathon?
Absolutely. Take a look at the route and the elevation profile, if you can cover 5km in an hour, you will finish in 10 hours – just remember to factor in time spent at aid stations.
Will there be prizes?
Yes. More details to come
How do I contact you?
If there’s anything we haven’t covered please email us at Hello@eightmile.run.
| Level | Label | What to Expect |
|---|
| 1 | Easy | Flat, firm paths. Parkland, promenade, compact trail. Road-shoe friendly. |
| 2 | Moderate | Mixed surfaces. Some trail, light undulation, generally stable underfoot. |
| 3 | Challenging | Sand, hills, uneven trail. Requires trail shoes and good endurance. |
| 4 | Hard | Steep climbs, technical sections, exposed terrain. Constant focus needed. |
| 5 | Extreme | Boggy, loose, steep, wild. Slow miles, high effort, full trail commitment. |
Stay on the marked course at all times
Respect other trail users, wildlife and local residents
Report any damage or issues to a marshal
Bins will be available at every aid station. Do not drop litter anywhere on the route.
- If you spot litter on course, pick it up if safe to do so
Getting There
Event HQ & Registration
Knoll House Hotel
Studland Bay, Dorset, BH19 3AH
Race registration, briefings, bag drop, and post-race celebrations take place here.
Start / Finish Area
Knoll Beach Café (National Trust)
Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
The start and finish are on the beach directly outside the café.
By Car
Studland is accessible via the Sandbanks Chain Ferry or by road via Corfe Castle and Swanage.
There is ample parking at Knoll Beach National Trust Car Park adjacent to Event HQ.
Participants must pay for parking or scan a valid National Trust membership card on arrival.
Car sharing is strongly encouraged where possible to reduce congestion and environmental impact.
If you’re travelling with others, please consider arriving together.
By Ferry
The Sandbanks Chain Ferry runs regularly between Sandbanks and Studland.
Timetables and updates can be found at:
https://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk
What to expect
Beat the Ferry is designed to be fast, runnable, and rewarding from start to finish. Crewed Life Bases, clear marshalling, and full course coverage mean logistics fade into the background and the running takes centre stage.
The heart of the race is the main Life Base at Corfe. Warm, friendly crew and proper fuelling. Everything you need is there… except extra minutes.
A proper test of pacing, focus, and grit, wrapped in an unforgettable coastal setting. A brilliant personal achievement, whatever your finish.
Medal
First Aid
Race Number
Timing
Life Base
Aid Stations
Markers
Marshals
Goodies
Smiles
Results
Shop
Experience the Landscape
Running over the Purbeck Way, across open trails and dramatic coastline, surrounded by people who chose the same challenge. At Eightmile Events, we only build races that move you… physically… mentally, and emotionally.
However you arrive at the start line, you belong there.
Be Part of Something Real
Beat the Ferry isn’t just race day. The journey starts long before, with training motivation, regular updates, shared build-up energy, and support from partners who understand endurance and inclusivity.
Fast or steady. First ultra or fifteenth. Plant-powered, gluten-free, or just hungry — you’re supported.
Earn Something Memorable
You finish to more than a clock time. Expect a proper welcome home, well-earned goodie bags, age-graded recognition, spot prizes, and moments that mark the effort you’ve put in. Not just for the fastest, but for the graft, the commitment, and the personal wins.
You leave tired, proud, and properly seen.
Why Beat the Ferry?
Stay overnight in the Knoll House Hotel. We’re working with Knoll House Hotel, to offer runners a comfortable and relaxed base for the weekend. It’s the ideal place to arrive early, settle in, and get a proper night’s rest before or after the big day.
Knoll House hotel is Beat the Ferry’s official registration location. With easy access to the start line.
The race starts on the beach at Knoll Beach cafe.
This is a National Trust site with ample parking available in the Knoll Beach car park for those not staying locally.
Runners can walk easily between the hotel and the start area.
Working with
Local businesses and organisations who add genuine value to our events, runners, and open spaces we run in
