You need to be strong of quad and sure of foot to be confident of finishing the route within cutoff. Definitely wear trail shoes and definitely download the route to your watch to give yourself the best chance of a good run!
The organisers are very clear about the requirements for the race and very reasonable about letting you adapt to a different distance on the day if needs be. Race hq with hot showers and a nice coffee bar is a real bonus.

Chip time for me was 5 sec quicker than when previous did this is 2022 !
Fantastic course until passing the Lidl roundabout then beach road was just a chore all the way to finish

Cracking event. Really enjoyed it. Tough terrain but rewarded with spectacular views, well stocked aid stations. Friendly marshalls. Would highly recommend if you like a challenge. Great overall organisation from Bustinskins team and a witty race director who doesn’t stand any nonsense, so read the small print if signing up. It’s a tough but rewarding race! The weather was very kind in 2025, not always guaranteed.

Be sure to read the race brief and download the gpx. You can’t get lost. Prepare for some steep climbs but be rewarded with stunning views. A nice buff and medal too. Nice day out

Always Lovely to see Marks face at the start and finish.

Another great year for the race but a little disappointment that when getting to the bill or beach road there wasn't gail force winds :-) we can't have everything I guess

Well supported as always and hats off to the marshals out on the course making sure we stuck to the route.

My first marathon so not a lot to compare it too, but I sense it was an excellent choice! Really enjoyed the great organisation, friendly marshalling, and obviously the location is absolutely sublime; don't think you can get any better than that! My thighs and knees would not write the same review but that one's on me ;)))) absolutely brilliant, thanks so much. Will be back!

My first time doing this event after being “persuaded”to take part! Loved it (Although my knees aren’t loving it this morning!). The Scenic route was amazing on the crisp clear sunny morning, friendly and helpful Marshall’s, organisation was brilliant from applying online to receiving my medal. Will certainly do it again! Thank you! Oh and what ever you do if you are thinking of entering, don’t forget your whistle!!

No one said it was easy!
However this event has a bit of everything (apart from signs

Appreciate that route can be downloaded but at points Marshall's appeared grouped & at times no Marshals visible. However did not detract from a fantastic event.
Some level of fitness defo required.
Thank you everyone!! I will be back!!

Always a tough race but once up that hill it’s a great and enjoyable race A++

Best weather I have had for this event
Well attended
Good merch
Excellent marshals
Stunning scenery
Well positioned feed stations
Nothing not to like
Only complaint was Mark’s brief was hard to hear

Couldn’t fault the event. Already looking forward to next year. Great job guys x

Lovely Marshalls , lovely course , really well organised

Fantastic race! It’s tough and you’ll know you’ve earned the incredible views. Brilliantly organised and marshalled. This is what trail running should be!

Great for a beginner, like myself, to hit some challenging hills and technical trails

The sun shone, it was a great course around Portland with sea views most of the ways round, plus cliffs, pastures and lighthouses (the out and back across Ferry Bridge was a bit boring, but that is the price to be paid to experience the rest of Portland).

Marshalls positioned and key points were super supportive - they were all a real asset to the event.

One or two hills if you like that sort of thing!

As others have said, wear proper, mud gripping trail shoes. It gets seriously slippery in places. Marshals fantastic, like, really fantastic.

Loved the relaxed atmosphere, whilst having top organisation and all the info required. Thank you.