Portland Coastal Marathon

Portland Coastal Race: A Challenging Early Season Benchmark
On Sunday, February 14, 2027, the Portland Coastal race returns to Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy. This self-navigation coastal trail event offers a marathon, half-marathon, and 10k distance options along the rugged South West Coast Path.
The route winds around the Isle of Portland, with runners following the coastline on exposed terrain that is far from flat or fast. The full marathon course consists of two loops around the island, while the half-marathon and 10k routes feature single loop sections. Participants must download a GPX file in advance to navigate the trail accurately; there will be no event-specific route markers.
The race organizers emphasize honesty and integrity on this challenging path. Shortcuts or deviation from the official course can lead to disqualification, so runners are advised to stick closely to the provided navigation instructions. Checkpoints confirm completion of each section.
Upon crossing the finish line, participants receive a bespoke Portland Coastal medal along with trophies for the top three male and female competitors in each distance category. Additional perks include checkpoint refreshments, professional medical coverage, chip timing, free race photography by professionals, and a commemorative Portland Coastal buff. An optional technical T-shirt is available for purchase at £15.
With February's coastal conditions in mind, all runners are required to carry specific mandatory kit throughout the event. This includes a minimum of 500ml fluid capacity, a windproof jacket (waterproof recommended), emergency nutrition supplies, head covering, charged and waterproofed mobile phone, foil blanket or full-size bin liner, whistle, and small first aid kit.
Traditional earbuds and noise-cancelling headphones are strictly prohibited to ensure safety. However, bone-conduction devices like Shokz are allowed for those who need audio guidance during the race.
Entry is limited to 500 participants; once the cap is reached, no further entries will be accepted. Runners are encouraged to share this event with friends and family through a referral scheme that rewards both parties upon successful entry referrals.
The Portland Coastal Race promises an authentic coastal trail experience for those seeking a demanding early-season challenge on exposed terrain.