The Maverick Exposure Lights Dark Castle 2023
Saturday 18 November 2023 | Corfe Castle
The Dark Castle is a new and exciting trail running event in Dorset and, as the name suggests, you will be running in the dark. Furthermore, 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 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 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.
Please note this is NOT a dog friendly, we are unable to have dogs within the event venue.
#theoutdoorswaits
This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.
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.
HOW IT WORKS
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!
PLASTIC FREE
In our quest to make this season plastic-free, we ask that you run with a reusable cup or bottle. Hydrapak Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
OUTPOST
There will be no outpost on the Short and Middle route. There will be 1 outpost Long route, at approximately 6.5km. 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 Precision Hydration fuel & electrolyte.
TRANSFERS
The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event), please email us on info@maverick-race.com with the name of the event you would like to move to. We are not able to move you out of an event if you contact us after this day
Bring your own cup
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 re-fill.
What you get
ESSENTIAL ITEMS
TRY TO PACK:
Headtorch or chest torch
Phone
Trail shoes
Rain coat
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.
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