7am start for 100k / 9:30am start for 50k
Elevation - 2,638 ft. for 50k, 5,664 ft. for 100k

In a nutshell

50k – By far our most popular event: could be up to a few hundred runners on the day. For most this is a highly social and laid back run to the seaside through a slideshow of sublime South-West scenery, following the Liberty Trail – a route based on the journey taken by six villagers in 1685 to join the Monmouth Rebellion. The sharp end of the field has become highly competitive on both the male and female side, so if you want a race then be sure you’ll get one! The famous colourful ammonite medal has now become a tattoo for at least five different people and the atmosphere at the seaside for the finish is incredible. Makes a great first ultra and has been for many people.
100k – An out and back starting and finishing in Lyme Regis with Ham Hill as the half way point. You get to see the stunning Liberty Trail in both directions. As 100ks go this one has less elevation than some but is definitely not pancake flat; undulating describes most of the route well with just a few longer climbs each way. Magnificent medal, seaside finish, unforgettable experience of passing the entire 50k field as you approach the half way point; always a huge amount of encouragement!

COURSE RECORDS

50k
Male: SHAUN DIXON – 4:03:54 (2024)
Female: GILL PEARSON – 4:57:13 (2024)

100k
Male: MATT UNDERHILL – 9:36:10 (2024)
Female: HOLLY STABLES – 10:14:10 (2021)/ *NB Holly’s is the all-time record but this was on the old course, which measured a couple of k shorter. It remains the only ‘old’ record that is yet to be broken on the new course. Record on the current course is ALEX DOOR – 13:04:45 (2024)
 

Ham & Lyme 50k is quite simply the most popular Albion Running event by far. The special 10th edition will take place in 2025, which will have lots of little touches fitting of this landmark occasion. The route is based on the Liberty Trail, which dates way back to 1685 and the Monmouth Rebellion. It’s likely parts of the route look little different now to how they would have then, which is incredible to think of.

Starting at Ham Hill Country Park, the first mile is pretty much a descent through the woods before a sublime saunter through rolling countryside all the way to the first aid station at Misterton. Some highlights on this first section include the fields the other side of West Chinnock where Marbled White butterflies are often seen, a giant field leading towards Haselbury Plucknett where flocks of gulls often gather and the scenic countryside leading on to Misterton itself.

The next section includes a chance to spot emus (we won’t reveal the exact location but they can’t really be missed!), the enchanting Wayford Woods and a palette of colour from the wild flowers as you approach Winsham, where the second aid station is located.

After this you will pass Forde Abbey, then around an enigmatic reservoir (another good place to spot Marbled Whites and other butterflies) before heading through the charming village of Thorncombe and then uphill through a quaint landscape that gives hints of being around the Dorset border. Next is a winding lane that takes you to the foot of the climb up to Lambert’s Castle.

The climb up to Lambert’s is probably the steepest of the whole race, but the views from the top are sublime, and on a clear day this will be your first sighting of the sea during the race. You will descend through the trees and out to the third aid station, after which it’s into the pretty village of Wootton Fitzpaine and then off across some of the loveliest countryside of the whole route (includes a field that is normally absolutely full of orchids as well as butterflies and a stream at which there’s a good chance of seeing both Banded and Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies if you keep your eyes peeled.) This will eventually take you up another fairly steep climb to the A35 road crossing, where the final aid station will be. The volunteers will see you safely across this busy road and then you descend into a lush forest (path can be slippery after a lot of rain), finally emerging out of the other side after following a winding path and then a long downhill through two fields before following the river Lym pretty much to the finish.

You will reach the edge of Lyme Regis (look out for Dippers in the river here) and head through the edge of the town before emerging pretty much at the sea. From the clock tower car park you turn left and head along a walkway until you reach the courtyard beneath the marine theatre where the finish line awaits. As the afternoon goes on quite a decent crowd of supporters gathers here, so if you are not among the very first finishers you should get a superb reception as you come in. After this you can enjoy all Lyme has to offer – fish & chips, ice-cream, a cold drink, a dip in the sea? Whichever of these sounds good.

The 100k is an out and back starting and finishing in Lyme Regis, with Ham Hill as it’s half way point. When you arrive to register at Lyme you will be treated to a spectacular sunrise on a clear day. You will basically do all of the above in both directions (minus the seaside fun at the beginning!) – on the way out there’s more uphill in the early miles and there’s a lengthy climb up to the half way point but the second half begins with a long descent and the final miles from the road crossing are mostly downhill and flat; bear this in mind when you’re doing a lot of climbing early on J

One of the best reasons to run this 100k is that you have the experience of passing the entire 50k field running the other way as you approach the half way point. There is always loads of encouragement and it can’t fail to boost your morale. The 50k is, understandably, far more popular than the 100 but the 100k is a fabulous day out. Unless you’re among the first finishers it’s basically an entire day out from not long after dawn until not long before dusk, but with everything you will see and experience it’s most definitely worth it!

 

 

 

CUT-OFF TIMES

 

50k - 8 hours (This is the official cut-off but is not too strictly enforced as the aid stations are still open waiting for 100k runners for some time after this.)
100k – 17 hours (This is strictly enforced out of fairness to the volunteers and medical staff.)

 

NUMBER OF AID STATIONS

 

50k – 4, 100k – 8. Please note that this is a cupless race so you will need a bottle or two for water and a cup for coke if you want it (All aid stations have water, coke, squash, sandwiches, crisps, fruit, nuts, sweets and a range of other sweet & savoury snacks.)

 

COURSE MARKINGS

 

There will be markings (red & white tape with some arrow signs – black arrow on a yellow background) for the entire route, with the exception of the bit over Lambert’s Castle as this has been agreed with the local rangers in previous years but this is not complicated and there will be some extra notes sent out with the race info for this small section. However, it is worth having the gpx file and/or written notes that will be sent out with the race info a few weeks before the event as back-up as markings can get removed. If you would like a copy of these to recce the route before the race please email albionrunning@hotmail.com

 

MEDICAL SUPPORT

 

Professional medics will cover this race – details of who to contact if you require medical support during the race etc. will be provided in the race info, which is sent out a few weeks before the event. As always, if you have a medical emergency and are not in the immediate vicinity of the medics the best thing to do is to call 999.

COACH

 

Due to parking being at a premium in Lyme in the summer there is a coach AFTER the race (for all other events coach transport is before the race) back to the start. There is a £3 charge for this per runner for those who require it – you can confirm your need for the coach when the race info is sent out a few weeks before the race and an invoice will be emailed to you, which can be paid by card or Paypal.
 

START LOCATION

 

50k – Ham Hill Country Park, Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6RW.

100k – Charmouth Road Car Park, Charmouth Road, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3DW.

FINISH LOCATION

 

Both – Along from Cobb Gate Car Park, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3QD.

 

 

PACERS

 

Pacers are not allowed on the 50k. For the 100k you are allowed a buddy runner during the second half (from Ham Hill back towards Lyme Regis) – they are responsible for their own transport etc. but are allowed to have food/drink from the aid stations. This is especially encouraged if you are nervous about running alone later on in the race.

CREW

 

For the 100k you are allowed to have a support crew, who can meet you along the way and are allowed to hand you food/drinks/supplies etc. On the 50k there is nothing to stop friends/family meeting you at certain points – it’s not against the rules, but please only meet them at locations with plenty of parking etc. (some good meeting locations will be suggested in the race info nearer the time.) You are allowed to sit in their vehicle but not while it is moving for obvious reasons. Crews must show respect to local residents in terms of parking and show consideration to anyone else who is out for the day. There will be suggested meeting points for crew sent out with the race info based on up-to-date local information at the time.

 

SUPPORTERS

 

You are allowed to have supporters come out to cheer you on – as with crews it is crucial that they show respect to local residents in terms of parking and show consideration to anyone else who is out for the day – if this does not happen it can have serious implications for the future of the event.
 

 

 

DROP BAGS

 

50k - You will be allowed a VERY SMALL drop bag to be taken to the finish if you will need this for any reason but please only if it is absolutely necessary as we can’t have hundreds of these – no large rucksacks or suitcases etc. There will be tags for these at the start on which you should write your race number and ‘50k.’

100k – You will be allowed a VERY SMALL drop bag for the half way point at Ham Hill, which can be accessed when you get there and will then be taken back to Lyme Regis when all of the 100k runners have reached half way. If you finish the race in a very fast time you may have a short wait before your bag arrives at the finish but we will endeavour to get these to Lyme as soon as we possibly can J

 

 

KIT

 

There is no mandatory kit for this race but these are suggested items that you should consider carrying: -
* Waterproof jacket that you have used in rainy conditions and know will do the job

* Hat and Gloves in case of unseasonably cold weather (possible in Somerset!)

* An additional base layer (this can be lightweight, and it's advisable if it is, as long as it's an additional layer)

* Headtorch with spare batteries in case of late finish

* High viz clothing for night

* Whistle

* Compass

* Mobile phone that is fully charged at start – battery pack if you can get one
* Some Emergency food that you like/water, plus at least one 500ml water bottle to carry with you

* Foil survival blanket in case of emergencies

* Personal first aid kit with plasters, savlon etc.

AWARDS

 

There will be a trophy for the first male and first female finishers, and all finishers will receive a medal.

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By agreeing to take part in this Albion Running Race: 

You declare that you will be 18 years or over on the day of the event
You are fully aware of the actual and potential risks in participation in this event
Although the race is organised with a full risk assessment having been carried out, will have medical support and will be carried out with the safety of the runners in mind at all times, you declare that you willl compete in the race entirely at your own risk
To the extent permitted by law, you accept that the organisers and sponsors of the race, or any of their agents, will not be liable for any loss, damage, action, claim, costs or expenses, which may arise in consequence of your participation of the event

 

 

AID STATION LOCATIONS 

(These were the aid station locations for 2024 - if any change for 2025 it will be mentioned both here and in the race info, which is sent out a few weeks before the event)


50k
 

CP1 - OLD STAGECOACH INN, MISTERTON (Station Road, Crewkerne, Somerset, TA18 8AL)

 

This aid station will be in front of the Old Stagecoach Inn, which is just as you emerge from a footpath close to Crewkerne Train Station

 

 

CP2 – POOLE’S LANE, ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, WINSHAM (Poole’s Lane, Winsham, Somerset, TA20 4JB)

 

This aid station will be at the front of the church as there are no weddings etc. taking place there this year

 

 

CP3 - below LAMBERT'S CASTLE, NR. MARSHWOOD (Nr. Marshwood, Dorset, DT6 region)

 

The aid station is not at the top of Lambert’s Castle but is over the other side when you have crossed over a grass triangle and head along Long Lane past Coney’s Castle car park and on the right-hand side of the road a few hundred yards past here

 

CP4 - A35 ROAD CROSSING nr. PENN FARM (Penn Farm, Axminster Road, DT6 6BZ)

 

There is a small parking area on either side of the road. The volunteers will make sure you cross the road safely and will provide some basic refreshments if you need them (water and some basic foodstuffs)

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FOR THE 100k THESE AID STATIONS ARE IN REVERSE FOR THE FIRST HALF - THERE WILL NOT BE AN AID STATION AT THE ROAD CROSSING IN THE FIRST HALF AS IT IS ONLY A FEW MILES IN. SO IT'LL BE LAMBERT'S CASTLE, WINSHAM, MISTERTON AND THEN HAM HILL FOR THE HALF WAY POINT (Ham Hill Country Park, Stoke-Sub-Hamdon, Somerset, TA14 6RW.) THEN AS ABOVE ON THE RETURN LEG.

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APPROXIMATE DISTANCE OF AID STATIONS FROM THE START

50k

 

MISTERTON – 9 miles
WINSHAM – 16 miles

LAMBERTS CASTLE – 23 miles

ROAD CROSSING – 28 miles

100k

A35 road crossing – 3 MILES
LAMBERTS CASTLE – 8 MILES

WINSHAM – 15 MILES

MISTERTON – 22 MILES

HAM HILL (Half way) – 31 MILES

MISTERTON – 40 MILES

WINSHAM – 47 MILES

LAMBERT’S CASTLE – 54 MILES

A35 road crossing – 59 MILES

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