Running in Dorset

Running Clubs

About: There are a number of running clubs in Poole, most of them are free and run by volunteers but there are also options for one to one run coaching in Poole if you're looking to take your running to the next level or looking for inspiration and guidance to get you started.

Local running clubs:

Poole Joggers is a friendly, free, social running club. It is wholly supported by Poole Athletic Club, one of the areas leading running clubs. Complete beginners are welcome as are all abilities as you will be shown to a group to match your ability level and preference. There are only two conditions – you must be medically fit to run and you must be over the age of 18.

A certified coach leads each group and you will run around the local area. They aim for “off road” as much as possible and vary their routes to include Canford Heath, Poole Park, Upton Country Park and other local venues.

Poole Joggers normally meet every Thursday evening in all weathers.  7pm start, aiming to finish at 8pm. Summer months meeting point is  Haymoor squash club in Canford Heath, and in the winter they meet at the Cricket Pavilion in Poole Park. 

Poole Runners welcome new members of all abilities, ages, experience and aspirations. From racers to casual and social runners, they have experience coaches to help you get the most out of your running. Their is an annual fee of £34 to join with discounts for family memberships, the fee includes affiliation with England Athletics which allows you to enter road & cross country races plus track and field events anywhere in the country as a Poole Runners member for the reduced entry fee.  They have a really great and varied weekly schedule to help with speed and endurance and there are weekly track sessions as well as Couch to 5k sessions.

Muddy Runners Poole is a small and friendly group with an emphasis on fun that provides encouragement, support & company to runners from absolute beginner to more experienced road and trail runner. They've just set up an "Aspire to 5k" course, run over a 10 week period.

Running Events

About: If you're looking to set yourself a challenge and book a running race in Poole then you'll have plenty to choose from right from 5k races to Ultra-Marathons. There are a few weekly park runs in Poole which are a great community event and a good way to get in to the race mentality without too much pressure.

Poole Running Events and Races:

The 5k Dorset Neon Run is one of the most incredible fun runs in Dorset, it allows you to run, dance or walk around Poole Park. It will be a fun event for you to join hundreds of others and get dressed in your brightest colours, neon paint, glow-sticks and leg-warmers and help Diverse Abilities raise vital funds for children and adults living with disabilities.

The big one is always the Poole Festival of Running which takes place in June every year and there are different races for all ages and levels and it's a real fun atmosphere and drives a number of participants and spectators.

Poole Park Run takes place at the fantastic Poole Park every Saturday morning at 9am. As with all park runs, it's a free, weekly, timed 5k run. It's a really fun, community running event run by volunteers. The start line is near to the cricket pavillion in Poole Park, postcode BH15 2SF.  The run is on a mixture of tar and compacted gravel. 

If you're looking for a big challenge then we'd recommend the Jurassic Coast Challenge which is your choice of a 25km, 50km or 100km ultra marathon and you can walk, jog or run. The 2020 event has been moved to September and they are still taking registrations. You will run along the spectacular Jurassic Coast - a World Heritage Site. The Jurassic Coast Challenge starts at Poole Harbour, then on to Corfe Castle, across to Lulworth Cove, past Durdle Door, with ups and downs all the way to the Weymouth halfway point.

For 100km challengers - it's past Portland Bill, nature reserves, along the western end of Chesil Beach to West Bay's famous cliffs (of TV's Broadchurch fame) - before a finish line celebration in vibrant Bridport.

View our Events Calendar for a full list of running events and races in Poole.

Running Shops

About: Running Free is located in Ashley Cross and as well as selling running clothes, accessories and running shoes, they are community running hub where you can go for info, advice, motivation or just to talk about the sport you love. They do GAIT analysis in store but it's worth getting in touch before you visit to pre-book, especially on weekends.

Up and Running is a national running store and online store with a shop in Wimbourne Road in Bournemouth where you can buy for running shoes, clothing and accessories.

Recovery

About: Make sure you recover well after running. Whether you've gone for a slow jog or a fast paced run, it's important to ensure you look after your body after.

If you've picked up an injury along the way make sure to get it checked as soon as possible by heading to one of Poole's best Chiropractors.

Chiropractors are skilful practitioners that are trained to understand human biomechanics and movements. They are able to diagnose your injury and help manage your symptoms.

Have a chat with the guys at Parkstone Chiropractic Clinic and they'll make sure you in good shape ready to get those miles in!