our helpers

Putting on a half marathon requires a massive , dedicated team, often involving over 100 volunteers.

The Doddlers are runners who like to run and also enjoy organising races while also helping our community…

…but we can only do this with help from so many people, from the race committee, the residents of the villages we run through, course and water station marshals, many of whom are past Doddlers as well as members of the wider local community and local organisations – we really appreciate every one of them. 


If you would like to find out more and help us to continue putting on great races, please get in touch, thank you.

Our race marshals…

are a friendly bunch, but they also have a very important role in trying to keep you safe while you run around the course.


The routes will be fully marshalled by volunteers from the Blackmore Vale Lions Club, Sturminster Residents and friends and family of the Doddlers. 


Please note that they will warn traffic, but we have no right of way over cars, tractors etc – so please take care and follow instructions from them.


Unless otherwise directed, run on the LEFT-HAND SIDE of all the main roads. 

Our water marshals…

Just when the miles start to feel heavy and you feel yourself flagging, our water stations are there to lift you right backup!


Keep and eye out for our marshals who like to get into the spirit of race day by dressing up in fancy dress!


Grab a drink, share a laugh, and let their energy carry you through the next stretch of your race. It is impossible not to smile when your water is handed to you by a superhero or a scarecrow!

Our water locations…

We also appreciate the places where we hold our water stations, people have given us use of their land and their water pipes:


The Plough Inn – Manston

Lymburghs Farm – Margaret Marsh
Just before the half way point

Goods Farm, Stour Row

Hayes Farm, Moorside

Middle of nowhere (11 ish miles)

The White Horse, Hinton St. Mary

The High School field at the finish