Shave Cross Mini-Marathon fundriaser celebrates 75th year

The 75th edition of the Shave Cross Mini Marathon took place at Kittys Farm, Shave Cross with three days of events planned to raise money for different causes.

Proceeds this year are going to Symondsbury Primary School, and Marshwood Church Community Fund - which is raising money to preserve the church as a community venue following the decision by the diocese to close it as a church.

Children's sack race (Image: George Rendell, Shave Cross Mini Marathon Committee)

Events kicked off on the Friday with a car treasure hunt with about thirty contestants driving around the countryside looking for answers to riddles. 

The main event was the five mile run over roads and fields on the Saturday which attracted over eighty runners, some coming from as far afield as Plymouth and Ireland. The victor was local man Shaun Dixon whose completed the run in just over 27 minutes. 

The weekend concluded with a tractor trundle around the Marshwood Vale on Sunday, which saw around thirty contestants, plus many accompanying travellers, follow a predetermined route around West Dorset, through rarely-visited places, with spectacular views.

The first finishers (Image: George Rendell, Shave Cross Mini Marathon Committee)

On each of the days, those present were well catered for with a barbecue, licensed bar, grand draw, children's sports and skittles and more.

The proceeds were boosted with the help of regular sponsors which include A G Down, Martin & Co, Symonds & Sampson and Simon Christopher.

It originally began as a bet between friends in the Shave Cross Inn about who could run the furthest in 1947. 

The event has since been held every year with the exception of 1987 due to the spread of foot and mouth disease and in 2020 due to the pandemic. 

Local farmers work to support the event with the Bugler family hosting the event in its traditional venue near the pub and the Johnson family provide the lamb for the barbecue.