The Sika Trail, Wareham Forest
Route
Into the Dusk is a flexible, loop-based trail running event set deep within the beautiful Sika Trail of Wareham Forest.
Designed to be welcoming for beginners and rewarding for experienced runners, the event offers a choice of distances, optional evening and night running, and a relaxed start format — no crowded mass starts, just arrive, register, and run during your chosen start window.
Participants can choose between a 4-mile loop, an 8-mile loop, or build up to a full trail marathon by completing up to three 8-mile loops. For something truly special, the marathon distance can also be completed as a relay team, with three runners each tackling one loop.
FAST. FLOWING. RUNNABLE.
With gentle, sandy forest trails, rolling terrain, stunning woodland views, and the option to run from daylight into dusk and darkness, this is a unique opportunity to experience trail running in a supportive, atmospheric setting.
Set entirely on forest trails, with no road crossings and no pressure to race anyone but yourself, this is a flexible, loop-based event that allows you to choose your distance, your pace, and your experience — from daylight running to the quiet magic of dusk.
All routes follow clearly marked forest loops
GPX file download
Highlights
Max distance
Climb
Cut off
September
Difficulty
Aid stations
Who this event is for
Trail running beginners
Runners curious about dusk or night running
Social runners and relay teams
Marathon runners looking for a flexible format
Anyone who loves running in nature, without pressure
Start 15:00
Start line opens: Light yourself up.
Run the forest
Enjoy an evening running in the dark with friends.
Finish 21:00
Enjoy the finish line and enjoy some warm food and drink.
The Experiance
EVENT HUB: WOODERS CAMPSITE
THE RUNNING VILLAGE
The event hub (start, finish, relay changeover, and aid station) will be based at a campsite within Wareham Forest.
Facilities include:
- Parking
- Registration area
- Aid station (drinks & snacks)
- Relay changeover zone
- Clear signage and course marking
Ready to run?
Choose your distance, gather your people if you’re running as a relay, and join us in the forest.
Information
Saturday 5th September – Race Day
- 13:00 → Registration opens
- 15:00 → Start line opens
- 21:00 → Finish line closes
- Participants planning to run after sunset must start no later than 17:30 pm and carry mandatory night kit.
- 0.5 litre water
- mobile phone
- foil blanket
- reusable cup
If running after dusk:
- Headtorch
- Spare headtorch or spare batteries
- High viz vest
- Baselayer
Optional Kit (recommended)
- Extra warm or windproof layer
- Snacks or energy gels
- GPS watch
- Emergency whistle
- Poles
- Gloves
- Buff or hat
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. The 4-mile and 8-mile loops are beginner-friendly, with gentle terrain and no technical sections or big hills.
Do I have to run in the dark?
No. You can choose a daytime start. Evening and night running is optional.
What equipment is required for night running?
A headtorch and spare torch or batteries are mandatory if running after sunset.
Can I change distance on the day?
Yes — you can decide how many loops to complete, as long as you stay within cut-off times.
How does the relay marathon work?
Teams of three complete one 8-mile loop each. Runners swap over at the main event hub.
Is there a cut-off time?
Yes, but cut-offs are generous and designed to support a positive experience.
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
tbc
By Car
tbc
By Ferry
tbc
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
The entire course takes place on forest trails — no roads, no traffic, no crossings. Just sandy paths, soft forest floor, and gently rolling woodland terrain.
Run in full daylight, stay for the golden hour, or continue into the evening with a headtorch if you choose. Night running is optional, not expected.
100% off road forest
This is a flexible event — you don’t need to decide everything in advance.
No crowded mass starts. Arrive within your chosen start window, register, and begin when you’re ready.
The marathon distance can be completed solo or shared as a relay — perfect for friends, families, or mixed-ability groups.
Share the Moment
Finish with meaning
All runners wear an electronic timing chip that records each completed loop.
If you choose to run further than originally entered, additional loops will be automatically charged after the event at the published loop rates.
All finishers receive a medal and finish celebrations.
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.
