SIKA TRAIL DARK
Route
Nestled within the rolling woodlands and heath of Wareham Forest, the Sika Trail is a classic 7-mile (about 11 km) loop that takes you deep into Dorset’s unique forest landscape known for its sandy pine tracks, wide clearings, and roaming wildlife — including the very Sika deer that lend the trail its name.
FAST. FLOWING. RUNNABLE.
Wide forest tracks. Firm sandy ground.
Gentle rises that reward rhythm, not suffering.
This is a course you can race.
Lock into pace. Hold it. Finish strong.
Whether you’re chasing a sharp time or simply chasing the sunset through the pines, this event embraces the Sika Trail’s natural charm while celebrating the joy of running after dark.
24 Mile
GPX file download
Highlights
Kilometers
Climb (ft)
Cut off
September
Difficulty
Aid stations
Race Start
Race start: Light yourself up.
3pm - 9pm
Enjoy an evening running in the dark with friends.
Finish and chill
Enjoy the finish line and enjoy some warm food and drink.
Race HQ
EVENT HUB: WOODERS CAMPSITE
Information
Saturday 5th September – Race Day
Details coming soon.
- 0.25 litre water
- mobile phone
- foil blanket
- reusable cup
How many Aid Stations are there?
There is 1 aid statione.
Dietary
Expect proper fuelling options all day, including vegan friendly and gluten free choices. If you have any specific requirements, please drop us an email well in advance of race day and we’ll try to cater.
Toilets
There are toilets at the start and finish area.
Are there any road crossings?
No.
Are there any gates on the trail?
No.
Will the course be marked?
Yes. The course will be marked.
What facilities will be available at the start / finish line?
There will be toilets and showers at Wooders Campsite – race HQ.
We will supply feminine hygiene products at race HQ..
What’s your refund/transfer policy?
Entries are non-refundable. Optional refund cover will be offered at checkout and is managed by a third-party provider. Entries may not be transferred or resold except via our official ticketing partner, Race Space. Name changes are subject to a £5 administration fee and must be completed using the formal process.
What should I do if I need to pull out during the race?
If you need to drop out, ensure you do so at an aid station. Please hand in your race bib at the aid station to confirm you have dropped from the race. If you need to drop out away from an aid station in a medical emergency phone Race HQ immediately.
Will there be medical support on route?
Yes.
Can I receive supplies on route from friends/family?
No. You are not allowed to receive any supplies during the race. Nor are you allowed to stash anything on route. All our aid stations will supply you with everything you need. In the event of a hot day we will see if we can add an additional basic aid station.
Are pacers allowed?
No.
Can I run with my dog?
No.
Does it matter if I can’t keep up with “the Ferry”?
No at all. This is just for a bit of fun. Remember, run your own race. Enjoy the stunning scenery and have a great day out on the trails.
Is there a qualifying standard?
No. The minimum age is 18 years old.
Is this race suitable for my first race?
Absolutely. Take a look at the route and the elevation profile, it is open to everyone of all abilities.
Will there be prizes?
Yes. More details to come
How do I contact you?
If there’s anything we haven’t covered please email us at Hello@eightmile.run.
| 1 | Easy | Flat, firm paths. Parkland, promenade, compact trail. Road-shoe friendly. SIKA TRAIL |
| 2 | Moderate | Mixed surfaces. Some trail, light undulation, generally stable underfoot. |
| 3 | Challenging | Sand, hills, uneven trail. Requires trail shoes and good endurance. |
| 4 | Hard | Steep climbs, technical sections, exposed terrain. Constant focus needed. |
| 5 | Extreme | Boggy, loose, steep, wild. Slow miles, high effort, full trail commitment. |
Stay on the marked course at all times
Respect other trail users, wildlife and local residents
Report any damage or issues to a marshal
Bins will be available at every aid station. Do not drop litter anywhere on the route.
- If you spot litter on course, pick it up if safe to do so
Getting There
Event HQ & Registration
Wooders Campsite
Studland Bay, Dorset, BH19 3AH
Race registration, briefings, bag drop, and post-race celebrations take place here.
Start / Finish Area
Knoll Beach Café (National Trust)
Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ
The start and finish are on the beach directly outside the café.
By Car
Studland is accessible via the Sandbanks Chain Ferry or by road via Corfe Castle and Swanage.
There is ample parking at Knoll Beach National Trust Car Park adjacent to Event HQ.
Participants must pay for parking or scan a valid National Trust membership card on arrival.
Car sharing is strongly encouraged where possible to reduce congestion and environmental impact.
If you’re travelling with others, please consider arriving together.
By Ferry
The Sandbanks Chain Ferry runs regularly between Sandbanks and Studland.
Timetables and updates can be found at:
https://www.sandbanksferry.co.uk
What to expect
A PROPER RACE. JUST… AFTER DARK
As daylight fades, the Sika Trail comes alive in a different way. Expect a proper, well organised evening race with online timing, a quality medal, good bags, and all the hallmarks of a classic trail event. The course remains fast, runnable, and honest, but after dark it’s subtly enhanced with eco-neon waymarking, soft lighting in key places, and a finish area that feels like an occasion, not just the end of a run.
This is a race you can push hard if you want to, or simply enjoy at your own pace. It’s welcoming, well supported, and designed to be fun without losing its edge. A few extra touches will be revealed closer to race day, but expect something memorable. The kind of event people talk about afterwards and quietly hope returns next year.
Medal
First Aid
Race Number
Timing
Glow Sticks!
Aid Station
Markers
Marshals
Goodies
Smiles
Results
Shop
Running over the Purbeck Way, across open trails and dramatic coastline, surrounded by people who chose the same challenge. At Eightmile Events, we only build races that move you… physically… mentally, and emotionally.
However you arrive at the start line, you belong there.
Run the Forest
Beat the Ferry isn’t just race day. The journey starts long before, with training motivation, regular updates, shared build-up energy, and support from partners who understand endurance and inclusivity.
Fast or steady. First ultra or fifteenth. Plant-powered, gluten-free, or just hungry — you’re supported.
Share the Moment
Finish with meaning
You finish to more than a clock time. Expect a proper welcome home, well-earned goodie bags, age-graded recognition, spot prizes, and moments that mark the effort you’ve put in. Not just for the fastest, but for the graft, the commitment, and the personal wins.
You leave tired, proud, and properly seen.
Why run the SIKA trail
Wooders Campsite.
Sugar Hill, Wareham, BH20 7NN, United Kingdom
Runners are welcome to stay onsite before or after the event. Wooders Campsite offers camping and campervan options and provides the perfect base to enjoy the evening, unwind with other runners, and soak up the dusk-to-dark vibe.
The start line, finish line, registration, and event hub are all located at Wooders Campsite, Wareham, right on the edge of Wareham Forest.
Getting there:
Head towards Wareham via the A351, Follow signs for Wareham Forest.
Follow event signage for Wooders Campsite.
Final event signage and marshals will guide you on the day.
Parking, registration, and all race activity will take place at the campsite
Working with
Local businesses and organisations who add genuine value to our events, runners, and open spaces we run in.
