Triathalon returns to Swanage for 2027

'Race the sun'- Dorset's UNESCO World Heritage coastline to host the ultimate dawn-to-dusk team challenge on 26 June 2027.

People in Swindon and across Wiltshire are being urged to help propel a nationwide £1.17m fundraising drive for vital children’s medical research.

The ultimate race against daylight is returning to Dorset’s shores. Action Medical Research has officially opened registration for Race the Sun Jurassic Coast, taking place on Saturday, 26 June 2027.

Centred around the historic seaside resort of Swanage, this tough but achievable adventure triathlon challenges teams of two or four to navigate a spectacular multi-terrain course spanning land and sea, with one clear goal: complete the course before the sun dips below the horizon.

The Jurassic Coast challenge is widely considered one of the most scenic yet punishing events in the UK outdoor calendar, featuring three distinct phases:

- The Bike (21 Miles): An off-road gravel and dirt track loop weaving through the Purbeck Heaths and the historic ruins of Corfe Castle, packing a punch with steep chalky ascents across Ballard Down.

- The Hike (10 Miles): A demanding foot-journey along the South West Coast Path, climbing to Durlston Head and tracking past Anvil Point Lighthouse.

- The Paddle (two Miles): Launching from Swanage Beach, teams take to the sea in sit-on-top kayaks to navigate a buoyed course beneath the towering Ballard Cliffs.

The event is supported in-kind by Garmin and carries SheRACES accreditation to support equal female participation.

Local teams will be joining a legacy of massive fundraising success; the series raised over £1.3 million in 2025 alone, with proceeds directly funding research into premature birth, child cancers, and rare diseases. 

Entry costs £120 for a duo or £240 for a team of four, with a fundraising commitment of £500 per person.

Local adventurers can sign up today at action.org.uk/events/team-challenges/race-the-sun-jurassic-coast-off-road.