Race Details…

The race is based in Sturminster Newton, Dorset and is situated between Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne.


Map - How to find the race

Race Admin is on the playing field. at Sturminster Newton High School, Bath Road DT10 1DT


Car Parking is also on the school field, with access from Honeymead Lane.


Race Numbers are chip timed and need to be collected before the start on race day between 8.30am and 10am. Please don't leave it to the last minute as there is a 10 minute walk to the start line.

Race Queries should be covered in our FAQs section but if not please get in touch via email before race day.

The Half Marathon Starts at 10.30am at the top of Station Road, and the route goes through Manston, Margaret Marsh, Stour Row and Todber, returning through Moorside and Hinton to finish on the High School playing field. View our Half Marathon Route


The Lead Runners are expected to finish at around 11.35am.


The Course is on open roads and will be fully marshalled. Please note that our marshals will warn traffic, but we have no right of way over cars, tractors etc – so please take care and follow their instructions. Unless otherwise directed, please run on the LEFT HAND SIDE of all the main roads.


The Stur 5K: if you are a new runner, or just fancy a lesser challenge, you can enter our multi-terrain 5k fun run, for more 5k details, please click here

The Half Marthon Presentation will be held on the school field, near the finish, at approximately 1pm. Please try and stay to collect your prizes.


Come down to the finish, support the other runners, congratulate the winners, have a bite to eat, a cup of coffee or a glass of beer and enjoy the post-race atmosphere.


We donate at least £3 from every entry to charities and local organisations in and around Sturminster Newton. 

Thanks to all the local organisations and businesses who have supported this year’s race, particularly Honeybuns, our main sponsor, Symonds & Sampson, Harts of Stur and Root & Vine.

Our Catering Village…

Cuppa & Cake


The Vale Family Hub will be with us on Race day with their Cuppa & Cake Stand.

Learn more

Big Bun, Little Bun


Lindsey will be back this year providing some lovely post food for us all.

Learn more

The Doddlers Bar


Peter our landlord will be helping you refuel after the race.

Learn more

Fat Sam's Ice cream


Cool off after the race with a delicous ice cream.

Learn more

What else you can find on race day…

Unwanted Running Kit


You have kindly donated new and nearly new running kit that we give to the Vale Family Hub. This helps others get into running who couldn't normally afford to.

Learn more


The Stur Half Route…

The race starts at the top of Station Road, outside the Railway Gardens. Goes along Station Road, through Manston, Margaret Marsh, Stour Row and Toddler, returning through, Moorside and Hinton St. Mary, along the beautiful avenue of trees before crossing the finish line at the High School.


Mile markers kindly sponsored by Symonds & Sampson

FAQs

Have a question about the race? Hopefully you will find the answers here.

or if not then send us an email to director@sturhalf.co.uk

  • How do I find the way to the race?

    Sturminster Newton lies between Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne, just off the A357. Go to this  link 'How to find the race'

  • Can I enter on the day?

    The online entry system, managed by Race Timing Solutions, will close at 12 noon on Friday 31st July. If the event has not sold out, on the day entries will be available, subject to an additional £2 fee. 

  • Can I run with my dog?

    This race is part of the Dorset Road Race Leauge and dogs are not permitted to run in the race.

  • Is there a time limit?

    The time limit for the half marathon is 3 hours. When entering the race, if you insert longer than 3 hours it will not accept your entry.

  • Can I wear my headphones?

    The Sturminster Newton Half Marathon is a “Headphone Free Race”, Mp3 players or other devices plugged into the ear are not advised whilst running for reasons of health & safety, especially on a road race. 


    The route is open to vehicles, including tractors. We also feel that with more electric cars on the road, they are difficult to hear and present a greater risk to runners.


    You will be disqualified for wearing headphones. This includes bone conduction ones, unless you have a genuine hearing impairment.



  • I would like to help out at the race

    We are always looking for help with running the event (marshals, water stations etc.), please get in touch if you are interested, and thank you.



  • I am injured and can't run this year

    Entrants can transfer their entry to another runner by going into their 'My Registration' on the njuko entry platform. 


    From there you will be able to see how you can transfer your place to another runner. There will be an admin fee of £2.

  • Can I run with a pushchair or buggy?

    The course is quite narrow in some places, so for safety reasons it is not suitable for wheelchair athletes or runners with pushchairs in both races.

  • Can I get a refund?

    All entries are non-refundable and cannot be deferred after on-line entries have closed.