Jane's Midlife Journey

Race for Life is a series of charity fundraising running/walking events in aid of Cancer Research UK. Events takes place annually in locations across the UK. There are two locally; one in Bournemouth and one in Poole.

Race for Life Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Race for Life starts on Pier Approach in the centre of Bournemouth with an out-and-back route along the prom. There are 5 km and 10 km options.

Parking

There are several car parks nearby. Bath Road South is the nearest. Parking costs £3.60 for an hour in summer. More details can be found here. Note that the start is right next to the beach. If the weather is nice, car parks in this area will be busy.

Date

The event usually takes place on a Sunday in mid June, starting at 10 am.

• In 2025, the date was 15th June.
• In 2026, the date will be 14th June.

Price

Adult entry (aged 16 plus) costs £15.99 for the 5 km and £17.49 for the 10 km. This is to cover the cost of putting on the event. You are encouraged to raise additional money for the charity, with a minimum fundraising target of £50.

Note: The organisers sporadically offer discounted entry in the run up to the event.

Details

I have been doing Race for Life for over a decade now. After a year’s hiatus due to Covid, Bournemouth Race For life recommenced in 2021 year with a different (much hillier) route, which took me by surprise and made me rather grumpy – yes, I know it’s for charity, mate! But things are now back to normal with the original, flat route along Bournemouth Prom back in use. The 5 km turns at Boscombe Pier, while the 10 km continues along the prom, turning in Southbourne.

One thing to mention is that this isn’t really a race. If you’re expecting a timed result, there isn’t one. And the route measures a little short too.

As the event is for a cancer charity, entrants are given back signs to wear, so they can display their reasons for entering. This year, I added a photo of my brother, who we recently lost to cancer. Reading the signs can be quite emotional!

After a quick group warm up, it’s time for the off. In theory, there are three starts (walk, run and jog) and participants are asked to line up behind the appropriate flag. In reality, this doesn’t happen and the start is very congested. Once you’re out of the bottleneck, it’s a straightforward course; run along the prom, turn round and run back again.

At the 5 k turning point by Boscombe Pier, there is usually a choir to encourage you on your way. Musical interlude over, it’s time to return to the start/finish. The return run can be much harder. It’s fairly common for the wind in Bournemouth to blow in an easterly direction, meaning that the run towards Bournemouth is often into a head wind.

Once you reach the end, you get a (rather naff) medal, a snack and some water. Plus the glowing feeling of having done something for charity.

Race for Life Poole

Race for Life Poole takes place in Baiter Park in Poole.

In addition to a 5 km and 10 km event, there is a 3 km distance. Also at Poole, there is the option to enter the Pretty Muddy 5 km – if you don’t have an aversion to getting your trainers dirty.  

Parking

Baiter Park has two car parks. Harbourside 2 in the middle (parking costs £1 for 2 hours) and Harbourside 1 at the southern end (£1.90 for 2 hours).

Dates

• The date for 2025 was 31st May, with the 10 km starting at 10 am, the 5 km/3 km at 11 am and the Pretty Muddy going off in waves from 1 pm.
• The date for 2026 is 30th May.

Price

Adult entry (aged 16 plus) costs £14.99 for the 3 km, £15.99 for the 5 km and £17.49 for the 10 km. The Pretty Muddy costs £22.49.

Race for Life for Children

Children aged 6 plus can join the Race for Life, but must be accompanied by an adult. Children’s entry costs £10 for the 3 km or £11 for the 5 km/10 km. (A family discount is available). You can take children under 6 with you, but they cannot register and don’t receive a medal at the finish. 

At Poole, there is also a children’s wave of the Pretty Muddy event, which starts at midday and costs £12.

• Updated: June 2025

I hope you found this information useful. For more inspiration on things to do in and around Bournemouth, check out my 101 Things to do in Bournemouth here.