The Maverick Dark Castle Trail 2026 - Friday
Friday 20 November 2026 | Corfe Castle
Back for its fourth year, and due to popular demand we have added a Friday evening run!
The Maverick Dorset Dark Trail has become one of the most unique Maverick events in our calendar! We are extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to race from the iconic Corfe Castle, so this is the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to check out the ruins up close.
Soaring above the village of Corfe, the early Norman castle is an unforgettable sight. Corfe Castle was built in the reign of William the Conqueror to control passage through the Purbeck Hills via a road between Swanage and Wareham. There was a fortress at this spot long before the Normans; however, there may have been a Roman military presence here, and certainly there was a wooden palisade here as early as the 9th century.
As you leave the stone bridge and head down through the beautiful village of Corfe, you find yourself heading across Corfe Common and towards the quaint village of Church Knowle, before heading up onto the ridge at Knowle Hill with sweeping views across Purbeck. You will see the lights of Poole Harbour in the distance and the glow of Corfe Castle to your right.
The Long and Middle routes continue along the ridge to Stone Hill Down, before meandering through some tight single track towards the famous Blue Poole. The trails here are muddy and tight, making the Darkness feel exhilarating. These sections of woodland and open heath are home to herds of Sika deer, so don't be alarmed if your head torch shines on lots of eyes watching you from the woodland.
The trail conditions on this route are going to be soft & muddy during the month of November, but there are a few sections of the route that are hard-packed or on road. Regardless, the routes are suitable for all levels of runner. There will be hot food and drink back at the venue, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and a real festive vibe.
We really hope you will join us for this fantastic event.
#theoutdoorswaits
DIFFICULTY
Dark, Spooky, Rooty and a lot of fun in the dark. Suited to all abilities.
About our ratings
Entry Price
Enter any 3 races from any series, or 3 entries into this event, and get 20% off
Online entry closes on Wednesday, 18th November 2026 at midday (12:00). On the day entries will be available if the event is not sold out.
All entries are subject to a small booking fee.
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.
Please note this is NOT a dog-friendly event, we are unable to have dogs within the event venue.
The Routes
Choose your route carefully. The distance and elevation gain should give you some indication as to how easy/hard each route is, as well as showing you where the tougher climbs are.
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What you get
More Information
Please note the Car park is a 15-20min walk from the main venue area. Please factor this in when arriving at the event.
As a guide you should always:
• Follow the on course signage
• Listen to on course marshals
• Take care when crossing roads
• Be considerate to others
• Please close all gates, DO NOT litter!
OUTPOST
There will be no outpost on the Middle and Short route. There will be 1 outpost on the Long route, at approximately 7km. The outpost is designed to act as a top-up for what you are already carrying. There will be a range of sweet & savoury snacks (fruit, cake, crisps) as well as gels and electrolyte drink.
Please note that there are no toilets along the run route. There will only be toilets available within the start/finish area.
CUTOFF TIMES
All runners should aim to finish by 9:30pm. This equates to a finish time of 2hrs30, 10min per kilometre pace.
PLASTIC FREE
In an effort to keep our trails clean and preserve the nature around us, we’re aiming to keep our outposts cup-free. Please bring a cup or bottle to refill. Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
TRANSFERS
If you need to transfer out from this event, you can do this via your Let's Do This account. You can't transfer if the event has sold out. The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event). Please refer to our Terms & Conditions to read more about Transfers.
Dorset Dark Trail Video
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Essential Items
PLEASE PACK:
Headt orch or chest torch
Phone
Trail shoes
Rain coat
Long sleeve top
Foil blanket
Water bottle/running pack
Headphones are not permitted.
You must be fully aware of your surroundings at all times, which includes road sections and when approaching marshals.
