Beat the Ferry 50km & Studland 25km
Race starts
Distances
Studland 25km
Kilometers
Climb (m)
Cut off
Min Age
Difficulty
Aid stations
Beat the Ferry 50k
Kilometers
Climb (m)
Cut off
Min Age
Difficulty
Aid stations
Can you beat the ferry?
In Beat the Ferry 50km – 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.
The challenge is simple.
If you cross the finish line before the Ferry does, 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 epic coastal runs in the UK.
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 Eightmile Events?
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.
Age Category awards
First Aid on course
Chip Timing
Indoor Life Base
Stocked aid stations
Fully marked course
Marshals
Live Results
Race Info
Saturday 11 July – Race Day
06:00 – National Trust Car Park opens / Registration opens at Knoll House Hotel
– Bib / Chip collection,
Meet the team, final questions, and last-minute prep.
07:15 – Race registration closes
07:50 – Race Briefing at the start line, Beat the Ferry 50km
08:00 – Race Start, Beat the Ferry 50km
08:05 – Race Briefing at the start line, Half Marathon
08:15 – Race Start, Half Marathon
13:15 – Race Finish Half Marathon
18:00 – Race Finish Beat the Ferry 50km
Beat the Ferry 50k.
- 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.
- 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+).
Half Marathon.
- Water bottle / bladder capable of carrying 0.5l litre of water
- Fully charged Mobile phone with race medic and race director numbers.
- Reusable cup
- * In the event of bad weather a water proof jacket (Gortex or similar, taped seams, minimum 10,000 mm+).
RACE HQ
What facilities will be available at the start line?
There will be toilets at Knoll Beach Car Park and at Race HQ (Knoll House Hotel). 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?
At race HQ there will be food and refreshments available, indoor and outdoor space to relax, meet up with your supporters and celebrate your achievements.
– MEDALS / GOODIE BAGS
– Hot / Cold Food
– Baggage storage (please ensure your bags are clearly labelled. Bags are stored at your own risk).
– Hotel facilities
ON COURSE
How many Aid Stations are there?
There are 5 aid stations in the 50k, 3 in the half marathon
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.
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.
Can my family and friends spectate
We welcome support along the route from friends and family, some good spots to cheer on your runner include:
– Start line! Beat the Ferry 50k runners run 5k and repass the start line.
– Corfe Castle, there is plenty of public car parks, please do not park at the village hall as space is limited to race crew only.
– Grange Hill Car Park.
– Finish line! Knoll Beach Cafe (National Trust) car park, from here it is only a short walk to the finish line at Knoll House Hotel.
Or just spend a day enjoying the epic Studland beaches.
GENERAL
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.
Are pacers allowed?
No.
Can I run with my dog?
No.
Does it matter if I can’t keep up with “the Ferry” on the 50k?
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?
No. The minimum age is 20 years old for Beat the Ferry 50k and 18 years old for the half marathon.
Is Beat the Ferry 50k suitable for my first ultra?
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.
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. |
BEAT THE FERRY:
| 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
Close all gates behind you at all times to ensure safety of livestock
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 & Finish area
Knoll House Hotel, Studland Bay, Dorset, BH19 3AH.
Start Area
Knoll Beach Café (National Trust) Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ.
By Car
There is ample parking at Knoll Beach Centre, Ferry Rd, Swanage BH19 3AQ adjacent to Event HQ.
Participants must pay for parking or scan a valid National Trust membership card on arrival. Please note there is no public parking at the Knoll House Hotel (unless you are a resident of the hotel).
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
Exiting the event: The Sandbanks Chain Ferry runs regularly between Sandbanks and Studland.
Timetables and updates can be found at:
https://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE: Race registration closes 7:15am!
Stay at Race HQ – Knoll House Hotel
• Official registration location
• 3 minute walk to the beach start
• Ideal for runners travelling from outside Dorset.
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. It’s just a few minutes walk between the beach and Knoll House hotel.
Working with
Local businesses and organisations who add genuine value to our events, runners, and open spaces we run in
