Could the weather have been any more perfect for this year’s Stickler race? Now in it’s 29th year, regular runners have come to expect flood-like conditions and some were apparently disappointed by the lack of wading required! But nobody was disappointed by the beautiful sunshine and the opportunity to run in a vest at the end of October.
The Dorset Three Peaks involves more than 1,500ft of gruelling climb, beginning with the infamous Stickle Path. Runners ascend three locally-renowned peaks along the beautiful Stour Valley – Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill.
This year more than 570 runners registered, and there were 510 finishers. Local runner Dave Hewes from North Dorset Triathlon Club was under very strict instructions to get around safely as it was his stag do – he was getting married the next day! Luckily he achieved both, and we wish huge congratulations to him and his new wife. The Doddlers’ own Jane Feather ran it as a birthday present to herself (it takes all sorts – Ed), and what better way to spend the day?
The 2024 winner was Charles Ford, who completed it in a time of 1:06:02. First female over the line was Anna Philps from Purbeck Runners in 1:19:20. Second and third males were Christopher Peck from Egdon Heath Harriers (1:06:44) and Matthew Harris from Oxford University AC (1:08:32).
The second and third females were Emma Hines from Swindon Harriers (1:20:02) and Ali Young (1:21:16). The winning female team was from Chippenham Harriers, consisting of Liliano Soto, Juliette Hatt and Julia Maddocks. Winning men’s team was the Dorset Doddlers team of Christopher Wright, Rich White and Tom Mitchell. Well done all!
The race organisers would like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who made the 29th Stickler such a success. The race is only ever as good as its volunteers (the Stickler has more than 80), and the consensus is that these are the best.
The organisers send special thanks to the Dorset Doddlers running club, local community volunteers, Ann Powell and all at the Shillingstone Church Centre, Shillingstone Station, the residents of the local villages who are always so patient and supportive, and the amazing sponsors Hall and Woodhouse, Honeybuns and Up and Running Bournemouth.
Keep Sunday 26th October 2025 free for next year’s event when Adam Frampton will be stepping up for his first Stickler as Race Director.
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