BEAT THE FERRY ULTRA

The ferry leaves at 23:00. Will you be on it?

No. Days
1

Distance
31/ 66 miles

Ascent
1000m /
2000m

Accom.
YES

Food
YES

Run 62 miles from Studland’s chain ferry to Weymouth and back, or choose the 31 mile half ultra.

The route follows the Purbeck Way and South West Coast Path, winding past Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, and Weymouth seafront - and back again. A journey through the south coasts most iconic landscapes.

GPS tracked. Fully supported. Life Bases keep you fuelled with hot food, hydration, and encouragement so you can focus on the cliffs, the coast, and the clock.

The ferry won’t wait.

The Story of Beat the Ferry Ultra

It began as a simple dare on the Dorset coast; could you run to Weymouth and back before the ferry’s last crossing of the night?

Now it’s legend in the making. A 100-kilometre race along the Purbeck Way and South West Coast Path, from the first ferry of the morning to the last at night. The clock starts when the 08:00 ferry sails.

This unique event is a must for all multi-terrain runners. We fully expect it to become a trail-runner’s annual challenge; a test against time along the beautiful Dorset coast Dorset coast.

Beat the Ferry is fully supported, with Life Bases offering hot food, hydration, and nutrition every step of the way.

Route

Corfe

Osmington

Lulworth

WEYMOUTH

STUDLAND

STUDLAND

Corfe

Osmington

Lulworth

FINISH

Instructions: Beat the Ferry

The race is on when the 08:00 Studland Chain Ferry departs. You have until the final 23:00 pm ferry to earn the coveted “I Beat the Ferry” medal.

Miss the final ferry? You’ll still receive an epic finisher medal and transport back to Sandbanks.

Optionally, start in Weymouth, beginning when the 100k lead runner reaches the Weymouth Life Base — the faster the lead runner, the more time you have - to BEAT THE FERRY!

Schedule

Date: Coming soon

06:00 Parking open
07:00 Registration Open
07:00 First ferry (Sandbanks)
08:00 Start of Beat the Ferry Ultra

13:00 Expected first runner in Weymouth. Start of Beat the Ferry Half Ultra

21:00 Expected first runner in Studland
23:00 Last Ferry
TBC Cut off.

Final runner cut off times

TBC Corfe
TBC Lulworth Cove
TBC Osmington Bay
TBC Weymouth (half way)
TBC Osmington Bay
TBC Lulworth Cove
TBC Corfe
TBC Studland Ferry

Medal for all competitors
Winners - runners who make the ferry win a special medal
Spot prizes

Car parking / Public Transport - TBC

VOLUNTEER?

Were looking for individuals, clubs, organisations to volunteer support at our various LIFE BASES.

LULWORTH VILLAGE HALL

CORFE VILLAGE HALL

WEYMOUTH MARINE CADETS

OSMINGTON VILLAGE HALL

Our volunteers are the heart of Beat the Ferry. You’re there to help runners through the highs and lows of the race — keeping them fuelled, safe, and motivated.

At our Life Bases, you’ll:

Help runners refill bottles and sort their kit or drop bags.
Offer food, hydration, and encouragement.
Provide warmth, reassurance, and a steady voice.
Share updates and safety information with the race team.
A great volunteer brings calm energy, a smile, and the simple magic of being there when it matters.

Studland - Knoll Beach