The Maverick Dark Castle Trail - Friday

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From Maverick Race

  • Date Fri 20th November 2026
  • Location Wareham, Corfe Castle, Dorset
  • Price £9.10 - £40.90
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances 5km, 10km, Half Marathon

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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at The Maverick Dark Castle Trail, taking place on Friday, November 20, 2026, in the stunning surroundings of Wareham, Corfe Castle, Dorset. Organised by Maverick Race, this exciting event returns for its fourth year, allowing participants to experience the enchanting trails that wind through the historic landscape of Corfe Castle. This unique Friday evening run offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the iconic ruins of Corfe Castle, built during the reign of William the Conqueror, while soaking in breathtaking views across the Purbeck Hills.

Runners can choose from various distances, including Long and Middle routes, which take you through picturesque villages, across scenic ridges, and into the magical woods that come alive in the dark. With muddy and tight trails adding to the exhilaration, the event promises an adventure suitable for all levels of runners. After conquering the trails, enjoy hot food, warm drinks, and the festive atmosphere around fire pits for roasting marshmallows. Don’t miss out on this exceptional experience blending history, nature, and camaraderie—register now for The Maverick Dark Castle Trail and be part of a night to remember! Please note, this event is not dog-friendly.

The Maverick Dark Castle Trail - Friday

Fri 20th November 2026

A hilltop castle ruin illuminated by warm lights at night, with crowds gathered around the entrance and walkways leading up to the castle, set against a dark night sky. A crowd of people with headlamps stands in front of a glowing, red-lit archway labeled "Maverick Race" at night, creating a dramatic, illuminated scene. Four runners wearing headlamps participate in a nighttime race, illuminated by their lights and a glowing light source in the background, running over grassy terrain in the darkness. Three runners wearing headlamps and numbered bibs run together at night on a cobblestone path, smiling, with event banners and lights visible in the background. Three runners, two adults and one child, hold hands as they cross a finish line at a nighttime race event, illuminated by colorful lights, under a banner that reads "Maverick.

Organiser's Description

The Maverick Dark Castle Trail 2026 - Friday

FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2026
CORFE CASTLE

Back for its fourth year, and due to popular demand we have added a Friday evening run!

The Maverick Dorset Dark Trail has become one of the most unique Maverick events in our calendar! We are extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to race from the iconic Corfe Castle, so this is the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to check out the ruins up close.

Soaring above the village of Corfe, the early Norman castle is an unforgettable sight. Corfe Castle was built in the reign of William the Conqueror to control passage through the Purbeck Hills via a road between Swanage and Wareham. There was a fortress at this spot long before the Normans; however, there may have been a Roman military presence here, and certainly there was a wooden palisade here as early as the 9th century.

As you leave the stone bridge and head down through the beautiful village of Corfe, you find yourself heading across Corfe Common and towards the quaint village of Church Knowle, before heading up onto the ridge at Knowle Hill with sweeping views across Purbeck. You will see the lights of Poole Harbour in the distance and the glow of Corfe Castle to your right.

The Long and Middle routes continue along the ridge to Stone Hill Down, before meandering through some tight single track towards the famous Blue Poole. The trails here are muddy and tight, making the Darkness feel exhilarating. These sections of woodland and open heath are home to herds of Sika deer, so don't be alarmed if your head torch shines on lots of eyes watching you from the woodland.

The trail conditions on this route are going to be soft & muddy during the month of November, but there are a few sections of the route that are hard-packed or on road. Regardless, the routes are suitable for all levels of runner. There will be hot food and drink back at the venue, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and a real festive vibe.

We really hope you will join us for this fantastic event.

Please note this is NOT a dog-friendly event, we are unable to have dogs within the event venue.

Races

  • Long - 15km

    £40.90

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Junior Entry - Half Marathon

    Runners Aged 17 and Under Must Be Accompanied by an Adult Throughout the Run

    £9.10

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Middle - 11km

    £35.60

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Junior Entry - Middle

    Runners Aged 17 and Under Must Be Accompanied by an Adult Throughout the Run

    £9.10

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Short - 5km

    £25.00

    Booking for more than 1?
  • Junior Entry - Short

    Runners Aged 17 and Under Must Be Accompanied by an Adult Throughout the Run

    £9.10

    Booking for more than 1?

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Location

Corfe Castle, The Square, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5EZ, UK

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