Fitness & Sporting Events in Dorset

Bournemouth Bay Run is held in March and offers a race for all the family, whatever your running ability. The races are held on Bournemouth’s seven-mile coastline - choose your distance and enjoy amazing views as you walk, jog or run along the seafront.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Join Bournemouth Parkrun at Kings Park every Saturday morning. Discover the 5k route, what to expect, parking and why this free, friendly event is loved by runners, joggers and walkers of all abilities.

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.