Dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves, a stately home, a world famous pop festival site… the Isle of Wight Festival of Running boasts an unparalleled location. Now in its fourth year, the festival has become one of the biggest sporting events on the Island and a favourite of runners from all over the South of England. Over eight days, athletes of all levels can choose from five circular cross-country routes, in the breath-taking west of the Island. 

The biggest draw of the weekend is the famously tough Needles Half, which follows a spectacular trail along the coast from Colwell Bay to Totland Bay, over the heathland of Headon Warren to The Needles. Runners then traverse rugged Tennyson Down to Tennyson Monument, before descending to Freshwater Bay and across Afton Marsh, to the finish.

 Newest addition to the programme is the Duver Dash on Sunday 24 May, this day offers a 5km route for adults and a 1km route for children. The Duver Dash is a scenic race which starts and finishes on the Duver at St Helens. The 5km course takes in spectacular coastal views and finishes along the Causeway path between the lagoons in the Harbour itself. The 1km Junior route is on the Duver with, (and there is) a 2nd lap option.

The Tapnell 10K takes runners on a circular route through fields, past Afton Down, where Jimi Hendrix played his last performance in England, to more than 600,000 people at the 1970 pop festival.

The Freshwater 5K passes another historic site, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s magnificent home, Farringford.

Younger members of the family can join the Junior Fun Run, around fields adjoining the West Wight Sports & Community Centre.