Giants Head Marathon
2 races scheduled · Sun 23rd Jun 2019 · Cerne Abbas
About this event
A very, very challenging hilly but beautiful course running through the Sydling and Cerne valleys running around and under the famous Cerne Giant.
Raceday details
Your organiser
White Star Running Ltd are a group of friends who like running, organising races with a cake and a drink afterwards. White Star Running aims to organise fun, sociable and value for money running events, for runners of all abilities, with no corporate claptrap. We believe in races that are tough, marshals that are friendly, views that are awesome and beer that is cold. We work with people to bring the best value to our events, parish councils, local running clubs and volunteer groups. We work with some of the best companies in Dorset to make our races interesting, fun, challenging and affordable.
How to enter
What's included:
Tech t-shirt and unique medal to all finishers + quality stuff. We have a BEER TENT and camping and a Hog Roast and an after party this year and pre race pasta party,
AND the ice cream van will return. We spoil you!
1 / 2
Advanced Bell Race
9:00am Sun 23rd Jun 2019
Run 9km
Giants Head Marathon
8:30am Sat 22nd Jun 2019
Run 26.2mi
Sydling Hill Race
10:00am Sat 22nd Jun 2019
Run 10km
Benefits of booking with Let's Do This
Free injury protection - Refunds until 4 days before the event.
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What people think
5.031 reviews
Stunning scenery
Friendly atmosphere
Challenging course
I have completed other White Star Races before, and they have always been amazing. This year I managed to get a place in the Giants Head Marathon. It fills up within a matter of minutes of opening online. As I was not new to White Star Races I knew what to expect, however this marathon exceeded my expectations- it was utterly incredible. One of the reasons for this was the atmosphere in the village- this was an event that was embraced by the village, and not only was it a White Star Race it also felt like it belonged to the people of Sydling St Nicholas. </p><p>The course itself was tough, however for every hill (there were one or two)- were breathtaking views. We also had the honour of routes that went over private land. So we were able to explore places that people don't normally get to go. </p><p>As ever with White Star the organisation was second to none, they make the organisation of races look easy. And everything ran to time, ran smoothly and the safety and enjoyment of the runners is their first priority. There was also a barn dance in the village in the evening and food provided by the village. </p><p>White Star Races are special. The Giants Head marathon is an utter gem of a marathon. If you can't get a place in the GHM then book another White Star event. You will not be disappointed… read more
I manned an aid station on the Saturday for the marathon, and then ran the bell race on the Sunday. The atmosphere for the entire weekend was absolutely fantastic - typical WSR! On the marathon we were at about 20 miles in over some pretty hilly terrain and everyone still had a smile on their face! The camaraderie through the bell race was brilliant and the last downhill with the bell clanging away and joining up with the kids from the shorter bell race makes it a genuinely different race experience. I'll definitely be back again! … read more
Questions
What's on your mind? Past attendees and our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you prepare.
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Not for the faint hearted, but the climbs are worth it. Stunning scenery, great atmosphere, fabulous food and a barn dance.<br />Sells out in about 5 minutes though, so get in quick
I have completed other White Star Races before, and they have always been amazing. This year I managed to get a place in the Giants Head Marathon. It fills up within a matter of minutes of opening online. As I was not new to White Star Races I knew what to expect, however this marathon exceeded my expectations- it was utterly incredible. One of the reasons for this was the atmosphere in the village- this was an event that was embraced by the village, and not only was it a White Star Race it also felt like it belonged to the people of Sydling St Nicholas. </p><p>The course itself was tough, however for every hill (there were one or two)- were breathtaking views. We also had the honour of routes that went over private land. So we were able to explore places that people don't normally get to go. </p><p>As ever with White Star the organisation was second to none, they make the organisation of races look easy. And everything ran to time, ran smoothly and the safety and enjoyment of the runners is their first priority. There was also a barn dance in the village in the evening and food provided by the village. </p><p>White Star Races are special. The Giants Head marathon is an utter gem of a marathon. If you can't get a place in the GHM then book another White Star event. You will not be disappointed
I manned an aid station on the Saturday for the marathon, and then ran the bell race on the Sunday. The atmosphere for the entire weekend was absolutely fantastic - typical WSR! On the marathon we were at about 20 miles in over some pretty hilly terrain and everyone still had a smile on their face! The camaraderie through the bell race was brilliant and the last downhill with the bell clanging away and joining up with the kids from the shorter bell race makes it a genuinely different race experience. I'll definitely be back again!
A beautiful race with quad crunching hills but views to die for ... atmosphere in Sydling was so welcoming... great organisation, fabulous aid stations and a community of runners who support each other, oh and the medal ... well what can I say!? I can’t wait to return next year ... bravo WSR!
Amazing event fantastic organisation- great that the whole village gets involved - v hot day fantastic water stations and the amazing love station - such a great team who organise WSR they really have got it down to a fine art
This was on my wish list to do before my 21st 😉 absolutely loved it. The atmospheres are what make the WSR events. Love stations a dream. Even forgive the hills. Loved it so much booked back for 2020 👍
White star running at it's very best in hilly Dorset. Fantastic tough scenic challenging course. Super aid stations. Wonderful English village green finish. Plenty of comoraderie between runners Bonus miles a plenty especially if you go through the wrong gate.
LB
Lorraine B5.0
Did the Giants Head Marathon in 2019
Brutal but brilliant! Organisation was spot on as always by WSR! Tough hills and beautiful Dorset scenery. I loved it so much, I'm returning next year 😁
White Star at its very best. Incredible scenery, a stunningly beautiful course. As always, signage was great (even we didn’t get lost). Aid stations were really well-stocked (including home-made, and vegan goodies). Volunteers were great, and of course, free photos too. Add to this two things; how welcoming the villagers are (I had two chat to me on the way to the car park, they love what White Star do for them). Then the flexibility of White Star admin. The flexibility is brilliant. You have a cutoff date to transfer or move to another race, which I’ve done many times. Stay within that date and you can easily buy, sell or move places. GHM is just the gold standard for marathons.
Well. Having lost my WSR cherry the previous day with the Sydling Hill 11k (reviewed earlier) in fine style and dashed back to Southampton in record time to make a trip with wife, daughter and running buddy at the theatre, I piled my oh so lucky daughter into the car to make the trip to Sydling once more for the bell race. What can I say? Usual fantastic bunch of nutters, loads of fun, more insanely great bling, a massive ice cream and a whole bunch of firsts...<br />First race I ever ran that involved a conga in the warmup. <br />First race I ever started from a lying down position. <br />First race I ever ran that started with an ice cream van chime<br />First race I ever ran with random exercises in the middle. <br />Definitely the first race I ever ran where you get your medal halfway and<br />First WSR race with my daughter. Heading to Blandford for our third one together on Sunday <br />Five stars added to the original five but only in my head cos this site doesn’t allow ten out of five for some daft reason.
Fantastic introduction to WSR. My wife has been running their events for a couple of years so had a good idea what to expect and was not disappointed. Drove down from Southampton and was immediately taken with the warm friendly atmosphere and huge sense of fun. The organisation was superb and whoever arranged the weather made for some lovely pics (although it did get a bit sweaty). Massive thanks to Andy Palmer and his team, the brilliant locals, Nic and Ian Shearer for accompanying me on my first WSR trail “run” and every other person involved. Oh and great bling obviously. Five stars deducted for those ridiculous hills (but then returned again cos you all just rock)
I have signed up for accommodation till 2095 for this event. Even if I can’t run it I’ll be there! That’s how b****y great it is!
WSR really do put on a great race. It was tough no denying that,, a lot of up and its challenging underfoot. But this is more than made up for by the great atmosphere where runners look after each other. The marshals and organisers make sure that we all have a good run and stay safe. I've done it the last 2 years and the weather on both occasions have been hot hot hot, but it's good to have a challenge!
It’s rare that you find a race that lives up to your expectations but GHM did it and then some. Fantastic location and course, great atmosphere and brilliant checkpoints. A bit hilly and maybe a touch over the 26.2 but that’s just more for your money! One of the best trail marathons I’ve done.
Organisation is superb, great aid stations & super volunteers. The countryside on this event is stunning, it is my favourite trail race of the year. It’s tough I’ll give you that but I enjoyed every minute, if you think about doing this race get some hill training in.
My first trail marathon and boy oh boy did I pick the one to do. Congregating on the village green for the race briefing we were given a fair idea of what was ahead i.e. hills, hills and a few more hills to go with those hills. There was also mention of testing terrain and not to expect to be finished when your GPS watch clicked over 26.2 miles (was 27.2 ish). Started on the High Street on probably the only bit of flat terrain to be had in the area only to turn after a few hundred yards for the first of the hills, a tarmac never ending climb or so it seemed. Once at the top 99% of the rest of the route was off road through some of Dorset's finest scenery taking in the Cerne Abbas Giant amongst other things.<br />500 runners all with smiles on their faces taking on a challenging course, helping and supporting each other round the whole route.<br />I fell at mile 2 (rookie mistake, didn't tie my shoes well enough) and was picked up by a pleasant chap, wearing a rainbow tutu (see White Star FB page, it's nothing unusual). He made sure I was okay to continue before heading on our merry way again.<br />Well I did complete, obviously not giving enough effort as I sprinted the finish to be greeted by J+J hugs with a now infamous medal and t-shirt. My race was done but the fun didn't stop there, White Star and the Sydling villagers put on a barn dance for us all which was a riotous occasion, yes we still had energy after that lot.<br />Will I do it again?????? YES OF COURSE, as long as Andy and his amazing team keep putting the race on.
I've run loads of marathons and ultras but GHM is my favourite race of all time<br />Fantastic organisation. <br />Brilliant atmosphere
My first time at this event - loved the course and the scenery. Brilliant organization as always by WSR. Marshalls amazing, fantastic medal. Villagers so friendly and welcoming<br />- booked again for next year.
It's a pity i can only give 5 stars! For my first marathon the atmosphere was great, the people were friendly, encouraging and always happy to chat and the views out of this world.<br />Aid stations and the love station gave that extra boost when in need and the signs continually raised a smile.<br />Great race for everyone - happy to have a place for next 2020
This event just gets better and better like a good wine. <br />If you are lucky enough to get an entry, you are in for a treat.<br />Hills, campings, running, cider, waking, dancing and then an awesome medal plus T shirt
Top marathon....hot and hard but such a great race...here’s some more words as you have to do a minimum of 100 letters ....nope no idea why either!!!!
From the friendly welcome at the race village to the mahoosive ice creams at the finish...and a few lumpy bits in between, I just loved this race.I set off slow,walked uphills and ran the rest.The Marshals were awesome at every CP and were a welcome sight on a warm day.My favourite race ever😎
Booked this as my 1st marathon race because I had heard so much about it from fellow running friends and it was as brilliant as I had been told, great Marshall's awesome course and those hills 😳🥵. The atmosphere was brilliant and the finishers medal 👌 top notch. Thank you 🏃♂️👍
TO
Did the Giants Head Marathon in 2019
DS
Dave Stone 5.0
Did the Giants Head Marathon in 2019Not for the faint-hearted, this is one hilly marathon! (3280ft according to my watch! However, if you do want some amazing views, great trails (a few short sections of roads), normally great weather, amazing atmosphere, the best marshals and pre-race briefing with a laid back vibe. Then this is the race for you. The race always sells out and within a short period of time. White Star Running are an amazing bunch and I would highly recommend any of their races! Oh and only the best medal!
Loved the whole weekend. Super friendly atmosphere and amazing organisation. Best temporary toilets at a camping / running event that I’ve been to.<br />Super food on both nights.
A fantastic trail marathon that takes you up and around the Dorset countryside. Plenty of aid stations stocked with all sorts of treats, an amazing medal, free race photos and a great local feel with the finish set in a village that gets swamped by runners for the weekend. Definitely one for everyone's bucket list!
Amazing race - awesome organisation. Easily the most enjoyable marathon Ive completed to date (this was number 22!). Top notch fun!
5.031 reviews
Stunning scenery
Friendly atmosphere
Challenging course
Rate this event
How to get there
21 Acreman Cl, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JU, UK
Get directionsCamping is available for the Races in our exclusive ‘athletes village for £15 for the weekend.
Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?
Not for the faint hearted, but the climbs are worth it. Stunning scenery, great atmosphere, fabulous food and a barn dance.<br />Sells out in about 5 minutes though, so get in quick
I have completed other White Star Races before, and they have always been amazing. This year I managed to get a place in the Giants Head Marathon. It fills up within a matter of minutes of opening online. As I was not new to White Star Races I knew what to expect, however this marathon exceeded my expectations- it was utterly incredible. One of the reasons for this was the atmosphere in the village- this was an event that was embraced by the village, and not only was it a White Star Race it also felt like it belonged to the people of Sydling St Nicholas. </p><p>The course itself was tough, however for every hill (there were one or two)- were breathtaking views. We also had the honour of routes that went over private land. So we were able to explore places that people don't normally get to go. </p><p>As ever with White Star the organisation was second to none, they make the organisation of races look easy. And everything ran to time, ran smoothly and the safety and enjoyment of the runners is their first priority. There was also a barn dance in the village in the evening and food provided by the village. </p><p>White Star Races are special. The Giants Head marathon is an utter gem of a marathon. If you can't get a place in the GHM then book another White Star event. You will not be disappointed
I manned an aid station on the Saturday for the marathon, and then ran the bell race on the Sunday. The atmosphere for the entire weekend was absolutely fantastic - typical WSR! On the marathon we were at about 20 miles in over some pretty hilly terrain and everyone still had a smile on their face! The camaraderie through the bell race was brilliant and the last downhill with the bell clanging away and joining up with the kids from the shorter bell race makes it a genuinely different race experience. I'll definitely be back again!
A beautiful race with quad crunching hills but views to die for ... atmosphere in Sydling was so welcoming... great organisation, fabulous aid stations and a community of runners who support each other, oh and the medal ... well what can I say!? I can’t wait to return next year ... bravo WSR!
Amazing event fantastic organisation- great that the whole village gets involved - v hot day fantastic water stations and the amazing love station - such a great team who organise WSR they really have got it down to a fine art
This was on my wish list to do before my 21st 😉 absolutely loved it. The atmospheres are what make the WSR events. Love stations a dream. Even forgive the hills. Loved it so much booked back for 2020 👍
White star running at it's very best in hilly Dorset. Fantastic tough scenic challenging course. Super aid stations. Wonderful English village green finish. Plenty of comoraderie between runners Bonus miles a plenty especially if you go through the wrong gate.
LB
Lorraine B5.0
Did the Giants Head Marathon in 2019Brutal but brilliant! Organisation was spot on as always by WSR! Tough hills and beautiful Dorset scenery. I loved it so much, I'm returning next year 😁
White Star at its very best. Incredible scenery, a stunningly beautiful course. As always, signage was great (even we didn’t get lost). Aid stations were really well-stocked (including home-made, and vegan goodies). Volunteers were great, and of course, free photos too. Add to this two things; how welcoming the villagers are (I had two chat to me on the way to the car park, they love what White Star do for them). Then the flexibility of White Star admin. The flexibility is brilliant. You have a cutoff date to transfer or move to another race, which I’ve done many times. Stay within that date and you can easily buy, sell or move places. GHM is just the gold standard for marathons.
Well. Having lost my WSR cherry the previous day with the Sydling Hill 11k (reviewed earlier) in fine style and dashed back to Southampton in record time to make a trip with wife, daughter and running buddy at the theatre, I piled my oh so lucky daughter into the car to make the trip to Sydling once more for the bell race. What can I say? Usual fantastic bunch of nutters, loads of fun, more insanely great bling, a massive ice cream and a whole bunch of firsts...<br />First race I ever ran that involved a conga in the warmup. <br />First race I ever started from a lying down position. <br />First race I ever ran that started with an ice cream van chime<br />First race I ever ran with random exercises in the middle. <br />Definitely the first race I ever ran where you get your medal halfway and<br />First WSR race with my daughter. Heading to Blandford for our third one together on Sunday <br />Five stars added to the original five but only in my head cos this site doesn’t allow ten out of five for some daft reason.
Fantastic introduction to WSR. My wife has been running their events for a couple of years so had a good idea what to expect and was not disappointed. Drove down from Southampton and was immediately taken with the warm friendly atmosphere and huge sense of fun. The organisation was superb and whoever arranged the weather made for some lovely pics (although it did get a bit sweaty). Massive thanks to Andy Palmer and his team, the brilliant locals, Nic and Ian Shearer for accompanying me on my first WSR trail “run” and every other person involved. Oh and great bling obviously. Five stars deducted for those ridiculous hills (but then returned again cos you all just rock)
I have signed up for accommodation till 2095 for this event. Even if I can’t run it I’ll be there! That’s how b****y great it is!
WSR really do put on a great race. It was tough no denying that,, a lot of up and its challenging underfoot. But this is more than made up for by the great atmosphere where runners look after each other. The marshals and organisers make sure that we all have a good run and stay safe. I've done it the last 2 years and the weather on both occasions have been hot hot hot, but it's good to have a challenge!
It’s rare that you find a race that lives up to your expectations but GHM did it and then some. Fantastic location and course, great atmosphere and brilliant checkpoints. A bit hilly and maybe a touch over the 26.2 but that’s just more for your money! One of the best trail marathons I’ve done.
Organisation is superb, great aid stations & super volunteers. The countryside on this event is stunning, it is my favourite trail race of the year. It’s tough I’ll give you that but I enjoyed every minute, if you think about doing this race get some hill training in.
My first trail marathon and boy oh boy did I pick the one to do. Congregating on the village green for the race briefing we were given a fair idea of what was ahead i.e. hills, hills and a few more hills to go with those hills. There was also mention of testing terrain and not to expect to be finished when your GPS watch clicked over 26.2 miles (was 27.2 ish). Started on the High Street on probably the only bit of flat terrain to be had in the area only to turn after a few hundred yards for the first of the hills, a tarmac never ending climb or so it seemed. Once at the top 99% of the rest of the route was off road through some of Dorset's finest scenery taking in the Cerne Abbas Giant amongst other things.<br />500 runners all with smiles on their faces taking on a challenging course, helping and supporting each other round the whole route.<br />I fell at mile 2 (rookie mistake, didn't tie my shoes well enough) and was picked up by a pleasant chap, wearing a rainbow tutu (see White Star FB page, it's nothing unusual). He made sure I was okay to continue before heading on our merry way again.<br />Well I did complete, obviously not giving enough effort as I sprinted the finish to be greeted by J+J hugs with a now infamous medal and t-shirt. My race was done but the fun didn't stop there, White Star and the Sydling villagers put on a barn dance for us all which was a riotous occasion, yes we still had energy after that lot.<br />Will I do it again?????? YES OF COURSE, as long as Andy and his amazing team keep putting the race on.
I've run loads of marathons and ultras but GHM is my favourite race of all time<br />Fantastic organisation. <br />Brilliant atmosphere
My first time at this event - loved the course and the scenery. Brilliant organization as always by WSR. Marshalls amazing, fantastic medal. Villagers so friendly and welcoming<br />- booked again for next year.
It's a pity i can only give 5 stars! For my first marathon the atmosphere was great, the people were friendly, encouraging and always happy to chat and the views out of this world.<br />Aid stations and the love station gave that extra boost when in need and the signs continually raised a smile.<br />Great race for everyone - happy to have a place for next 2020
This event just gets better and better like a good wine. <br />If you are lucky enough to get an entry, you are in for a treat.<br />Hills, campings, running, cider, waking, dancing and then an awesome medal plus T shirt
Top marathon....hot and hard but such a great race...here’s some more words as you have to do a minimum of 100 letters ....nope no idea why either!!!!
From the friendly welcome at the race village to the mahoosive ice creams at the finish...and a few lumpy bits in between, I just loved this race.I set off slow,walked uphills and ran the rest.The Marshals were awesome at every CP and were a welcome sight on a warm day.My favourite race ever😎
Booked this as my 1st marathon race because I had heard so much about it from fellow running friends and it was as brilliant as I had been told, great Marshall's awesome course and those hills 😳🥵. The atmosphere was brilliant and the finishers medal 👌 top notch. Thank you 🏃♂️👍
TO
Did the Giants Head Marathon in 2019
DS
Dave Stone 5.0
Did the Giants Head Marathon in 2019Not for the faint-hearted, this is one hilly marathon! (3280ft according to my watch! However, if you do want some amazing views, great trails (a few short sections of roads), normally great weather, amazing atmosphere, the best marshals and pre-race briefing with a laid back vibe. Then this is the race for you. The race always sells out and within a short period of time. White Star Running are an amazing bunch and I would highly recommend any of their races! Oh and only the best medal!
Loved the whole weekend. Super friendly atmosphere and amazing organisation. Best temporary toilets at a camping / running event that I’ve been to.<br />Super food on both nights.
A fantastic trail marathon that takes you up and around the Dorset countryside. Plenty of aid stations stocked with all sorts of treats, an amazing medal, free race photos and a great local feel with the finish set in a village that gets swamped by runners for the weekend. Definitely one for everyone's bucket list!
Amazing race - awesome organisation. Easily the most enjoyable marathon Ive completed to date (this was number 22!). Top notch fun!
5.031 reviews
Stunning scenery
Friendly atmosphere
Challenging course
Rate this event
How to get there
21 Acreman Cl, Cerne Abbas, Dorchester DT2 7JU, UK
Get directionsCamping is available for the Races in our exclusive ‘athletes village for £15 for the weekend.
Booking related questionsDo you have a question about bookings, cancellations, or refunds?