Fitness & Sporting Events in Dorset

The largest music and sport festival in the world, Bournemouth 7s has come around once again! Buy tickets here: https://bournemouth7s.com/tickets/

The Poole Bay 100 returns in June 2027 for a high-speed day of offshore powerboat racing across Poole Bay and Bournemouth’s coastline. Forming Round 2 of the UKOPRA Offshore Powerboat Racing Championship, the event brought powerful racing boats, professional crews and multiple racing classes to the south coast. Spectators could watch the fleet leave Poole Quay before racing began offshore, with Bournemouth seafront offering some of the best views of the action throughout the afternoon.

Run Bournemouth is a fun sporting festival involving a series of running races on the Bournemouth seafront on 8th / 9th October. This is a popular event for the whole family with running options of a half-marathon, 10km, 5km as well as Junior event categories.

Bournemouth parkrun is a free weekly 5K for runners, joggers and walkers at Kings Park. Taking place every Saturday at 9am, it welcomes experienced runners, complete beginners, families and anyone wanting a more active start to the weekend. Here is everything you need to know about the course, registration, parking, public transport and current participation rules.

Park Yoga Poole 2026 takes place every Sunday from 3 May to 13 September, offering free outdoor yoga sessions in the beautiful surroundings of Poole Park. Open to all ages and abilities, the friendly one-hour classes are ideal for beginners and experienced participants alike. No booking is required, so simply bring a mat or towel, some water and enjoy a relaxed morning of movement, mindfulness and community wellbeing.

On Sunday, 17 May 2026, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride will occur in cities worldwide, uniting riders to support Movember’s efforts in raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The Bournemouth-Poole ride, one of the largest globally and the biggest in the UK, attracts approximately 1,000 riders and ranks among the top fundraisers.

Join the Dorset WALX Festival 2026 from 17-20 September for four days of guided walks, workshops and outdoor adventures across the Jurassic Coast and Purbeck. Discover iconic Dorset locations including Old Harry Rocks, Corfe Castle and Dancing Ledge, with walks for all abilities, wellbeing sessions and a friendly festival atmosphere. Advance booking is required with festival passes available online.

Take on one of Dorset's most popular running weekends at Run Bournemouth 2026. Held on 10 and 11 October, the festival features the Bournemouth Half Marathon, Supersonic 10K, Supernova 5K and junior races along Bournemouth's stunning coastline. With spectacular sea views, a lively event atmosphere and distances for all abilities, Run Bournemouth is a highlight of the Dorset sporting calendar and attracts thousands of runners and supporters each year.

Start 2027 with one of Poole’s quirkiest annual traditions as the New Year’s Day Bath Tub Race returns to Poole Quay. Teams take to the harbour in homemade bathtub-inspired vessels, racing along the waterfront while crowds cheer them on from the quayside. Expect creative crafts, splashes, plenty of competitive spirit and a lively atmosphere, all while raising money for charity. The event is free to watch and has become a memorable way to welcome the New Year in Poole.

Take on one of the South Coast’s most scenic running events when the Bournemouth Bay Run returns in 2027. Starting near Pier Approach, the annual event is expected to offer a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1K Kids Fun Run along Bournemouth’s famous seafront. The official 2027 date, entry fees and race schedule have not yet been announced. Find the latest event information and what runners can expect from the next Bournemouth Bay Run.

SandPolo returns to Sandbanks Beach on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 July 2027 for its 20th-anniversary event, bringing world-class beach polo, hospitality and evening entertainment to one of Poole’s most famous coastal locations. The British Beach Polo Championships combine fast-paced matches on the sand with pitch-side bars, food, socialising and live entertainment. Full ticket details and the 2027 programme are still to be announced, with visitors currently able to pre-register for early access to releases.

The Wild Swimming Festival 2027 returns to Swanage on 17-18 July for a weekend of guided coastal swims, water-safety talks, live music and outdoor adventure. The festival village is free to attend, while visitors can separately book experiences including beginner swimming sessions, paddleboarding, snorkelling, seafront sauna visits and guided swims around some of Dorset’s most recognisable coastal landmarks.