The Stickler

The Stickler (now in its 29th year) is a 10.1 mile multi terrain running race. The Dorset Three Peaks involves over 1500ft of gruelling climbing, beginning with the infamous ’Stickle Path’. Runners ascend three locally renowned peaks along the beautiful Stour Valley: Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill. The course is mostly on gravel tracks, with some stretches on tarmac and grass.

Whether you are a returning runner or new to experience this well-loved event, we look forward to welcoming you on Sunday 27th October 2024.

Race HQ, Registration: opens at 8.30am at The Shillingstone Church Centre, DT11 0SW. Numbers need to be collected on the day.

Entries do sell out fast, but there may be a small number available on the day if we still have capacity. 

Car Parking: Space is limited, and it is a 10 minute walk to race HQ, so please arrive in good time and lift share or cycle where possible. It’s more fun and better for our beautiful planet!

The Start: 10.30am on Lanchards Lane. There is a 5-10 minute walk from race HQ and parking areas.

Drink Stations: There will be three drink stations, positioned at Okeford Hill (1.75 miles), Durweston (5 miles) and between Hod Hill / Hambledon Hill (7.25 miles). Water is also available at the finish. Please do bring your own cups to help keep our beautiful countryside free from litter and unnecessary waste. Only leave footprints and only take photos.

Cupless Event: The Stickler is a cupless event to try and reduce the amount of plastic and waste we generate. There will not be any cups available on the day, so please plan ahead. The water stations will be well stocked and marshals will be happy to top you up.

Post-race refreshments: can be found at the Church Hall (Race HQ), provided by the wonderful Church Centre volunteers. There is also a Café at Shillingstone Train Station, right by the finish. Enjoy the delicious cakes for great post race nutrition!

Mementos: Race T-shirts

Race Transfers: We do accept the transfer of numbers between runners up to two weeks before the event. Please email the Race Director

Dogs: Runners with dogs are very welcome … however … due to ARC rules you will have to start 5 minutes after everyone else and you won’t be eligible for the main prizes. You will also need to make sure that you have public liability insurance to cover your dog for potential third party damage claims (included in most pet insurances and some household insurance). You should have the correct canicross equipment, e.g. your dog should be wearing a harness and be attached to you at all times, to a waist belt of some kind. A hand held lead is not permitted – kit checks will be made on race day. We reserve the right to remove you from the race if your dog looks to be in distress at any time. Please don’t give dogs a bad name – pick up after your dog.

Cut-offs: As much as we want everyone to take part, we have to operate a cut-off policy for the benefit of our many volunteers, some of whom will stand on exposed hillsides for several hours. We ask that you aim to compete the route in 2 1/2 hours or better. We operate a strict cut-off policy of 75 minutes at the half way point, and reserve the right to retire runners who look as if they will take substantially longer than 2 1/2 hours.

Prizes: Will be awarded in the following categories: 1st–3rd Open Male, 1st–3rd Open Female, 1st MV40 1st FV40 1st MV50 1st FV50 1st MV60 1st FV60 1st MV70 1st FV70, First 3 Men’s & Ladies Teams (only one team per Club – first 3 runners to count). 

Please note, you must be at least 17 years old on the day of the race.

If you need any other information please contact the Race Director

More photos can be found on our Facebook page

Click on the links below to see previous years’ results: