ARCHIVED RACE: Grand Shaftesbury Run @ St.Giles House, Wimborne St Giles, Dorset, United Kingdom on 26 May 2013

The Grand Shaftesbury Run is divided into three courses: a half marathon circuit, a 10km circuit and a children’s 1km fun run. All courses start and finish in the park at St.Giles House, the historic home of the Earls of Shaftesbury.

The half marathon follows a stunning trail along the ‘beech belt’, a late 18th early 19th century tree plantation originally created for horse and carriage drives, that wraps around the entire estate, offering participants a unique opportunity to run through private woodland on the estate and soak up spectacular views of Dorset. The trail arrives back into the park and passes alongside some of the key features of the park’s ‘Pleasure Grounds’: the serpentine lake, the grotto, and finally finishing off down the avenue in front of St.Giles House to a welcoming crowd of supporters.

The 10km course follows a route out of the park by the cricket pitch and joins up with the half marathon course along the ‘beech belt’ before turning back though the fields, past Manor Farm and up on to Harley Down, where runners can take in one of the prime views on the estate. The trail then follows the lanes through Wimborne St.Giles before entering the park via the main entrance and on to the finish line in front of St.Giles House.

Finally, we have the children’s 1km fun run, a mad dash from the avenue around the cricket pitch and back again. St.Giles Park will be open for family and friends not taking part who wish to come and support and relax! There will be food, music and games available for children and adults and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings in front of St.Giles House. There will also be several vantage points to catch loved ones in the race, either in the park itself, along the lanes in Wimborne St.Giles, or for those more adventurous, at one of the designated water points along the course. Parking will be located a short distance from the start line and will be free.

We welcome all people to take on the challenge, whether a serious runner or a nature lover!