Dark_Castle

The Maverick Dark Castle 2025

Saturday 15 November 2025
more info

The Maverick Dark Castle 2025

Saturday 15 November 2025 | Corfe Castle

This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.

* ALL ENTRIES FOR THIS EVENT HAVE NOW SOLD OUT*

Back for its third year, Dark Castle 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 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 event, we are unable to have dogs within the event venue.

#theoutdoorswaits

This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.

LOCATION

Corfe Castle,
Corfe, Wareham,
Dorset,
BH20 5EZ
/// mainframe.shipwreck.warblers

ROUTES

Long: 15 km
Middle: 11 km
Short: 5 km
See Route Info

DETAILS

5pm Wave:
Registration: 15:30
Start time: 17:00
8pm Wave:
Registration: 19:15
Start time: 20:00

DIFFICULTY

Dark, Spooky, Rooty and a lot of fun in the dark. Suited to all abilities.
More Info

The Route

LONG ROUTE
Distance: 15 km
Elevation Gain: +243 m
MIDDLE ROUTE
Distance: 11 km
Elevation Gain: +225 m
SHORT ROUTE
Distance: 5 km
Elevation Gain: +120 m

Official Retail Partner of Maverick Race

Pro:Direct Running and Maverick Race are collaboratively working together to bring a curated and guided range of the best Trail running products to Maverick runners. With Trail races varying in distances from 5 km up to 102 km, whether you are new to Trail or an experienced Ultra runner, Pro:Direct Running has a substantial selection of footwear, clothing, accessories and nutrition for whatever your needs across these distances and trail terrains.

What you get

Free Parking
Free Parking
Fully Marked Course
Fully Marked Course
Outposts
Outposts
Fully Timed
Fully Timed
Online Results
Online Results
Event Photography
Event Photography
Food and Drink Available
Food and Drink Available
Bag Drop Area
Bag Drop Area
Metal Finishers Medal
Metal Finishers Medal
Non Alcoholic Beer
Non Alcoholic Beer

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!


PLASTIC FREE

In our quest to make this season plastic-free, we ask that you run with a reusable cup or bottle. 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 gels and electrolyte drink.

There will not be pre-filled water cups available at the outpost. Please have your re-useable cup or bottle ready when you arrive and make use of our self serve water barrels.

Please note, there are no toilets along the run route. There will only be toilets available within the start/finish area.

CUTOFF TIMES

All runners taking part in the 5pm wave must reach the outpost by 6pm, and finish by 7:30pm.

All runners taking part in the 8pm wave must reach the outpost by 9pm and finish by 10:30pm.


HEADPHONE 

Headphones are not permitted at this event.

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


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.

Dark Castle Video

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Essential Items

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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