Watchet Mariner 10k

The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Samuel Taylor Coleridge This race commemorates this famous poem. The Ancient Mariner with the albatross roped around his neck stands at the start and finish line of the race. The following lines from the poem are upon the harbour wall to inspire today’s sailors. The fair breeze blew; The white foam flew; The furrow followed free.   The Minehead Running Club, with the Somerset Series, is proud to introduce our inaugural 10k race from The Esplanade, Watchet.

Event Details

What:  Be Welcomed to the Start by the Town Cryer, for a well-marshalled race of approximately 10 km along the firm and flat Old Mineral Line disused railway from Watchet to Washford, beside the West Somerset Steam Railway, then back along narrow country lanes over Cleeve Hill and the cliff top, then downhill to the harbour front for a really fast finish - probably the fastest longest finish in Somerset.  All proceeds go to charity.

When:  10.00am Saturday 6th March 2027

Where:  The Phoenix Centre, The Esplanade, Watchet, Somerset, TA23 0AG
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Why:  The Minehead Running Club is pleased to be donating all proceeds from the race to The Watchet Conservation Society.  Details of some of its projects appear below.

Free T-shirts and Medals:  Free T-shirts to all entries before 14th February, after when, they cannot be guaranteed.  For sizing, if in doubt, go up a size. There will be free medals for all finishers!  

How much:  Online £19 for UKA/ARC affiliated runners or £21 for unaffiliated runners, plus online fees.  Online entries close 28th February 2027.

Entry on the day:  Until 9.30am. £25 with availability of T-shirt not guaranteed.

Final instructions: To follow.

The Course:  Race Permit ARC/27/0094. Max entries 200.

The race starts and finishes on The Esplanade, Watchet near the race HQ. Runners set off, passing the statue of the Ancient Mariner, through the delightfully intimate heart of Watchet’s shopping streets, then along the disused Old Mineral Line, parallel to the West Somerset Steam Railway to Washford. The trail is flat and fast, with packed earth and gravel. From Washford there is a 2km out and back section along the cycle path of the Steam Coast Trail, passing beside the Washford steam railway station. The route then climbs narrow country lanes with stunning views over to Exmoor, the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel to Wales. The final section descends from the cliff tops, where the B3191 has been closed to cars, for what must be the longest and fastest finish of any race in Somerset, to finish back on The Esplanade by the Statue of the Ancient Mariner.  Runners must be mindful of trip hazards and other pedestrians and dog-walkers along the trail, as well as any traffic on the roads, which will not be closed – care must be taken! The route is open to the public and no priority to runners can be assumed. The route will be marked and marshalled at key points. Water stations will be at the end of the trail at 2 Miles and the finish.

First Aid:  Available at the Washford water station and the finish.

Number Pick-up:  Race bibs are to be collected no later than 9.45am from Race HQ, The Phoenix Centre at the east end of The Esplanade.

Parking:  There’s plenty of parking within town car parks and additional parking on the harbour quay.

Toilets: Public toilets are available in the main car parks and the Race HQ.

Baggage Drop: Yes

Changing Area:  Yes

Dogs that are well trained and well-behaved are welcome but are not permitted to accompany runners during the race.

Headphones, including the bone conducting type, are not permitted.

Minimum Age: 18.

Refreshments:  Charity Refreshments.  The Phoenix Centre will offer a range of hot and cold drinks and cakes.

Awards:  Awards will be presented to the first 3 men and 3 women overall and in all age groups M/F 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70+ at The Phoenix Centre. Awards must be collected at the Awards Presentation at 12 noon.

Results:  Full results will be available online after the event.

The Watchet Conservation Society supports many charities in and around Watchet in line with the general aim of conservation. The Society has provided information boards, restored the Fitzroy Barometer and Notice Board on The Esplanade, supported Hedgehogs and Wildlife and The Repair Cafe, installed bat boxes along the Old Mineral Line, provided plants and improvements to public spaces and hosts bi-monthly Tuesday night talks on numerous topics.

BIG Thank You:  To our incredible local sponsors, without whom this wouldn’t be possible.

The route is officially unmarked but but will be sign-posted and well-marshalled to guide runners at all key points.

Results will available at www.mineheadrunningclub.co.uk/watchet-mariner