About the Race…
The Stur Half…
The Stur Half, organised by the Dorset Doddlers is a road race and has been running since 1990. The route follows rural roads in and around Sturminster Newton.
The race is sponsored by Honeybuns Bakery and supported by other local businesses, and this year is part of the Dorset Road Race League.
There is also a multi-terrain 5k race, which you can enter on the day, and while you are running we will entertain the children with races on the school field.
Whether you are a returning runner or new to the Stur Half, The Dorset Doddlers look forward to welcoming you on Sunday 3rd August 2025.
How to Enter
This year we are using Race Timing Solutions for our entries and results. Click on the ENTER HERE button link above and go ahead and book.
2025 Half Marthon Entry Fees:
£TBA Affiliated / £TBA Unaffiliated
We are a road race organised in accordance with UKA rules – Permit No. TBA. Course measurement: South of England TBA
See who has entered the race by clicking on this Registrations List
Entries for the 5K will be taken on the day – see this link for more info
Find out more about the event…
The race is based in Sturminster Newton
which lies between Blandford, Shaftesbury and Sherborne, just off the A357. Go to the link below to find your way to the race.
On the day race admin…
is at Sturminster Newton High School on the playing field.
Car parking…
the main race car park is also at the school, with access from Honeymead Lane. When this is full we will direct you to either the SturFit Leisure Centre or to other local car parks.
Race queries…
if you need to transfer your number, or if you have any other entry queries, please get in touch via email before the day or you might find the answers in our
FAQs section

Race numbers…
these are chipped 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.
A few rules…
the half marathon has a time limit of 3 hours, you will be asked your predicated time when entering the race.
The course is quite narrow in some places, so for safety reasons it is not suitable for wheelchair athletes or runners with pushchairs.

Dogs are not permitted to run in this race.
The race is on open roads…
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 Half marathon starts…
at 10.30am in 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.
The course record holders…
are Willard Chinhanau of Poole Runners 1:08:41, and Ruth Barnes of Avon Valley Runners 1:21:57
The lead runners…
are expected to finish at around 11.35am.

The Stur 5K…
if you are a new runner, or just fancy a lesser challenge, you can enter our multi-terrain 5k fun run, £5 enter the 5K
The routes…
will be fully marshalled by volunteers from the Blackmore Vale Lions Club, Sturminster Residents and friends and family of the Doddlers. View our Half Marathon Route
Children’s races…
while you are running, we will entertain the children with fun races on the school playing field.
Water and sponge stations…
as usual there will be plenty, and these are manned by a group of fun marshals, some will be in fancy dress!! 
Showers and changing…
Showers will be available
Massage…
Pete Roper from Pete's Functional Fitness will be at the race to offer pre and post race massage.
Refreshments…
Hot food and Fat Sams Ice-cream will be available to help you refuel after the race.
Plus our very own Beer Tent, where you can treat yourself, or your other half to a delicious half pint or make it two halves and enjoy a pint.

Mementos…
all finishers in the Half will receive a wooden sustainable medal and a delicious Honeybun cake.
In the 5K all finishers will also receive a delicious Honeybun cake.
Prizes…
along with the main prizes there will be prizes for the first local runners in both races. See more details here
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.
Who we give to…
at least £2 from every entry goes to charities and local organisations in and around Sturminster Newton.
We would like to thank…
all the local organisations and businesses who have supported this year’s race, particularly Honeybuns, our main sponsor, and Harts of Stur.
Plus the sites where we hold our water stations, these people kindly offer their water and land for us to supply you with water.
The History of the race…
the race started in 1990 – find out more
Finally……
good luck to all the runners, and we hope you enjoy the race.
Keep up-to-date with all the race news on our
Facebook page
The Stur Half Race Team
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
If you need to contact us…
We do try to be as quick as possible but if you have any enquires that are not answered on this website please contact us and we will try to answer you. But don't forget that the week building up to the race is our busiest, and you may not get an answer straight away.
What you said about the race…
