BigSea Trails (WATER)

The BigSea Trails, part of the Classic Element Trail Series (Water element), takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM from Knoll Beach, Ferry Road in Swanage, Dorset, United Kingdom. This stunning trail running event offers four single-lap distances – Half Marathon, 18 Miles, Marathon, and 54km Ultramarathon – starting and finishing on the beautiful sand of Knoll Beach at Studland, taking runners to locations including the Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle, Kimmeridge Bay, Chapmans Pool, Dancing Ledge, Durlston Castle, and Old Harry Rocks.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Registration: Opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 8:45 AM for all four distances at Event HQ (Knoll Beach).
• Bag Drop: A bag drop tent will be available on the day.
• Mandatory Kit: All runners must carry at least 500ml of fluid (hydration vest or handheld soft flasks permitted). Download the GPX file onto a wearable watch or mobile device – although the course is marked, arrows can be tampered with, so route familiarity is strongly advised.
• Cupless Event: No cups provided – bring your own reusable bottle or flask.
• Aid Stations: Locations to be confirmed. Well-stocked with sweet and savoury snacks, vegan options, water, and flat coke.
• Precision Fuel & Hydration Partnership: Each aid station stocked with PH 1000 electrolyte liquid (1,000mg sodium per litre). Runners receive 2 x PFH Gels at registration.
• Event T-Shirts: Classic Element Trail Series T-shirts available to pre-order only, collected from Event HQ on race day.
• Trees Not Tees: Runners can opt to have a tree planted instead of receiving a finisher's medal.
• Finisher Medal: Bespoke finisher's medal for all participants.
• Canicross: Not accepted at this event.
• Series Context: Second event in the Classic Element Trail Series (Water). The series includes Earth, Water, Fire, and Air – designed to Challenge, Awaken, and Inspire runners.
• Overall Rating: 4.9/5 based on 136 reviews.
• Results & Photos: Available on the event website.

Route and Atmosphere:

• Scenic Highlights: Stunning trail running on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, featuring the Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle, Kimmeridge Bay, Chapmans Pool, Dancing Ledge, Durlston Castle, and Old Harry Rocks. The route battles over an ancient rugged coastline.
• Terrain: Single-lap courses on coastal paths, heathland, and countryside trails with incredible views and scenery.
• Atmosphere: Energetic, fun, and welcoming – with friendly enthusiastic volunteers, on-course photographers, and excellent value for money.
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can enjoy the beautiful Knoll Beach setting, explore the Isle of Purbeck coastline, and cheer participants at the start/finish and along accessible points of the course.
• Accessibility: Four distances cater to trail runners of all levels – from half marathon to ultramarathon.

BigSea Trails 2026 at Knoll Beach, Studland, Swanage – the Water element of the Classic Element Trail Series – offers half marathon, 18 mile, marathon, and 54km ultramarathon distances on stunning single-lap coastal and countryside courses featuring the Purbeck Hills, Corfe Castle, and Old Harry Rocks.