Giants Head Marathon Weekend
WEEKEND 20TH / 21ST JUNE 2026
Welcome to the amazing Giants Head Marathon Weekend! This incredibly popular event has won several awards for Britain’s Best Marathon over the years and received a Gold Award in 2025. So what makes it so special? We take over the village of Sydling St Nicholas for the weekend, with the villagers welcoming the runners and making you part of the community! This unique combination works incredibly well and we are thrilled to bring you such an exciting programme.
DESCRIPTION
This event weekend provides something for all the family, with the Marathon and 10K on the Saturday, a barn dance in the village hall for those who can still walk on Saturday evening, and then the brilliantly fun LittleFeet Bell Race and Half Marathon on the Sunday.
The LittleFeet Bell Race challenges anyone, children included, to reach the top of the hill and complete a task set by a team member. Then, you run down the hill with your bell clonking away like an Alpine Cow!
All routes are challenging and hilly, running through the Sydling and Cerne valleys. It's certainly not for the faint hearted; it's a tough race, with some steep climbs, sharp descents and the most amazing views to reward yourself with.
The village will once again be providing food for you on Friday and Saturday evening. These options can be booked alongside your event entry.
LOCATION
Sydling St. Nicholas, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9NP
DISTANCES & PRICES
SATURDAY RACES
- Marathon - £52
- 10K - £32
SUNDAY RACES
- Half Marathon - £42
- LittleFeet Bell Race - £10
*Those wishing to run in the LittleFeet Bell race will be required to register via the ticket below. No payment will be required until the day of the event. Payment can be made at registration. Only cash will be accepted on the day.
*LittleFeet Bell Race entrants DO NOT receive a finishers medal
WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT CANICROSS ENTRIES AT THIS EVENT
CAMPING
Camping will be available on the Friday and Saturday nights for those wishing to join us for the weekend. Price is based on family of 4.
Toilet facilities will be available in the camping field, with showers available at the village hall.
1 x Camping Pitch ( 2 x Small tents, 1 x Large tent or 1 x campervan) - £30
* No electric hook up available
* Camping ticket allows you to camp on Friday and Saturday nights
EVENING MEALS
Evening meals are available to pre order for the Friday and Saturday
FRIDAY MEALS
- Pasta Dish Adult - £12
- Pasta Dish Child - £6.50 (12 years and under)
- *VEGETARIAN OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE
SATURDAY MEALS
- Chilli Dish Adult - £12
- Chilli Dish Child - £6.50 (12 years and under)
- *VEGETARIAN OPTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE
REGISTRATION
Registration and race bib collection will be available from the Registration tent in the start/finish area
- Friday - All Races - 17:30 to 20:30
- Saturday - Marathon - 07:30 to 08:30
- Saturday - 10K - 09:00 to 10:00
- Sunday - Half Marathon - 09:15 to 10:15
- Sunday - LittleFeet Bell Race - 08:00 to 08:45
RACE START TIMES
SATURDAY RACES
- Marathon - 09:00
- 10K - 10:30
SUNDAY RACES
- LittleFeet Bell Race - 09:00
- Half Marathon - 10:30
MANDATORY KIT
All runners will be required to carry at least 500ml of fluid with them. Most will have hydration vests but handheld soft flasks will be permitted.
As weather is changeable, especially in winter, runners are advised to also wear (and carry) appropriate clothing for the conditions.