Run Bournemouth 2025: Coastal running festival raises thousands for worthy causes
Bournemouth, Dorset — The 2025 Run Bournemouth weekend — held on 11–12 October — proved once again why it remains one of Britain’s most popular seaside running festivals, with an estimated 15,000 runners taking part across the half-marathon, 10 km and 5 km events.
Against the backdrop of the English Channel’s sea-spray and coastal breeze, runners of all ages and abilities embarked on scenic routes along Boscombe and Bournemouth Piers. The mix of seasoned club runners, first-time participants and charity-backed entrants created a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere — from early-morning half-marathon starts to the family-friendly 5 km finishes.
But the event’s significance extended far beyond personal bests and finish-line selfies. Many participants ran for charity, raising vital funds for organisations serving local communities. Leading the way in 2025 was Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, which used the festival as part of its “70 Runners for 70 Years” fundraising push.
Thanks to the dedication and generosity of its supporters, Diverse Abilities raised £12,000 during Run Bournemouth — a substantial contribution to sustaining services such as its Langside School, respite care, supported living and family-support programmes across the county.
Community fundraiser Francesca Potton expressed pride and gratitude: “Having that number of runners has been really useful to sharing our name and what we do,” she said. “Every step taken and every pound raised helps us continue supporting those who need us most.”
While Diverse Abilities was among the headline charities, others also benefitted — with various charity-place runners representing causes such as mental-health support, homelessness outreach, children’s welfare and animal rescue. The festival’s structure makes it easy for people to combine personal fitness goals with charitable giving.
Organisers described the 2025 edition as a “resounding success,” pointing to both the high turnout and the charity income as evidence of its growing importance not just as a sporting event, but as a community-building force.
Beyond the fundraising totals, many participants highlighted the intangible benefits: the camaraderie among runners, the encouragement from cheering spectators, the beauty of coastal running, and the sense of doing something meaningful together. For first-time runners especially, the festival offered a welcoming and motivating entry into distance running — wrapped in a weekend of sea breezes, local support, and shared purpose.
In an age when people are increasingly looking for ways to combine health, community and charity, Run Bournemouth 2025 stands out as a blueprint — reminding us all that sometimes the best way to make a difference is to lace up your trainers, hit the pavement, and run for something bigger than yourself.
As the sun set on October’s Bournemouth seafront and the last medals were handed out, the runners, volunteers and charities could look back on a weekend that celebrated fitness, generosity and community — and forward to next year’s edition, when many will return for more miles, more memories, and more impact.