In 2022, we launched a brand-new race called the Mapperton Muddle. As well as being a new set of races, it was also a new venue for us.
We were honoured to have been able to host the event at the wonderful Mapperton Estate, located just outside Beaminster. It was the first event of its kind held at the estate, and we’re so pleased to have been invited back in 2023 to run it again.
This venue really has everything that we look for, including exceptionally pretty routes that show off the Dorset countryside, as well as a great team on site to help pull things together.
What to expect
The Mapperton Muddle takes place in December, a proper winter race. In the inaugural year, we had a little snow and frost, which made for a chilly but beautiful event. We offer both a 10K and a half marathon, both of which are single-lap routes.
There’s likely to be some mud and wet crossings, given the time of year and the fact that there are natural springs locally, plus there are a few hills thrown in there. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the herd of White Park Cattle on the estate. There may also be some troublesome cows who like to move well-placed route signage… It can also be pretty cold (as we’ve said, we had snow!), so it’s definitely one where you will need to wrap up warm and treat yourself to a hot drink afterwards! Trail shoes are a must, and gaiters are helpful to keep debris and mud out. We also encourage fancy dress as usual – it’s December, so think festive! But not at the expensive of staying warm and dry, of course.
The routes take in the best of the local area, including Loscombe Nature Reserve, Gold Hill, Hooke Park and parts of the Jubilee Trail. You will pass through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) too.
The medals for the races are inspired by the estate’s animals, so you have the White Park Cattle for the half marathon and a stag for the 10K. These are the same as last year, though we will have a different colour ribbon. There will also be some extra finish-line goodies available for you. You can choose to opt out of these if you prefer and just get the medal. Instead, we will make a donation our chosen rewilding project through the Dorset Wildlife Trust, Wild Woodbury. You can read more about this here, and you can opt in or out of the finish-line goodies when you enter.
We will have parking but, as always, we recommend car sharing if you can. The fewer cars on the roads coming to the event the better. The nearest train stations are Dorchester or Crewkerne, and you might be able to find a friendly runner to pick you up on their way to bring you to the event.
We’re sure no one will ask, but you never know… there’s no camping at this event. It’s December! If you do need somewhere to stay, then you can look in Illminster (35 mins drive), Yeovil (30 mins drive) or Dorchester (30 mins drive) for the usual choice of budget-friendly chain hotels (you know the ones we mean!). Bridport is also only about 15 mins drive away. There is The Ollerod in Beaminster itself (5 mins drive), which has 9 individually styled bedrooms if you fancy a spot of luxury, as well as quite a few Air B&B rental options from cosy cottages to shepherd’s huts. If you’re looking for somewhere, feel free to post in our group, as we have plenty of runners local to Mapperton who may be able to recommend somewhere too.
The details
Mapperton Muddle takes place on 9th December 2023.
Half Marathon – 10am
10K – 11am
Entries will open on Friday 8th September at 7pm: https://whitestarrunning.clubtrac.co.uk/e/mapperton-muddle-7938
Join the Facebook Event for more information here.