The Bournemouth Bay Run is set to return this weekend for 2023 with thousands of runners set to take part.

The event, which has been organised by BCP Council, will be supporting three charities - Dorset Mind, the Lewis Manning Hospice and the RNLI.

Runners can take part in the half-marathon, 10k or 5k or trot alongside their little ones in the 1k kids run on Sunday, April 2.

This year’s event will also mark Bournemouth Bay Run's 40th birthday, with participants encouraged to wear 80’s fancy dress to mark the huge milestone.

Ahead of the 2023 event here's all the info you'll need to know, including race start times and the route.

Bournemouth Bay Run 2023 race times

There will be several races taking place on Sunday, with the main event in the half-marathon starting at 10 am.

Meanwhile, the 10k run will begin at the earlier time of 9.15 am and the 5k run will start at 12.15 pm.

Additionally, the 1k Kids Fun Run will occur at 9.25 am from the Pier Approach.

Bournemouth Bay Run route

The half-marathon route will begin outside the Oceanarium next to Bournemouth Pier, with runners going west along the seafront to Durley Chine turning right through the car park up to West Overcliff Drive.

Runners will then take a left along West Overcliff Drive, turning left across the bridge over Middle Chine and continuing left to the junction of West Cliff Road.x

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After that, the route takes a left onto West Cliff Road and then follows the path through the trees down to the seafront at Alum Chine.

Runners then continue east on the Seafront passing Bournemouth Pier, to the end of the promenade past Southbourne.

The course then takes a left up the slight slope then a right and continues to the Broadway taking a left and then left again up Clowes Avenue.

At the end of Clowes Avenue, follow the alleyway turning left onto Solent Road, right onto Hengistbury Road and right again into Harbour Road taking you back onto the Broadway.

Following that the route continues left up Wildown Road to the top and left onto Dalmeny Road before turning right onto Stephenson Road and right again onto Southbourne Coast Road.

From there follow Southbourne Overcliff Drive towards Boscombe Pier turning left onto Boscombe Cliff Road and left again onto the Marina.

Turn left down towards Boscombe Pier and then the route goes right along Undercliff Drive to the finish East of Pier Approach.

An interactive map showing the full route can be found on the Bournemouth Bay website here.

Can you still apply to enter the Bournemouth Bay Run?

Entries for the annual charity run had to be registered by Friday, March 24 so it is too late to apply for this year's event if you haven't already.

How will the race timing system work?

A timing chip will be affixed to your race number, and it's recommended to not remove, fold or pierce the chip with safety pins.

Additionally, your chipped bib number should be worn on your chest on the outer layer of clothing.

Do not obscure your bib number + chip with a bumbag/running belt.

Once your race is concluded the racing chip will not need to be collected so can be kept.

If you included your telephone number in your application you will be sent a text of your result, but if not all results will be available at www.chiptiming.co.uk on the evening of the race.

Where to find toilets and changing rooms

Public toilets are situated in the Pier Approach and Lower Gardens area and will be signposted.

Further toilets are available on the west side of the pier, adjacent to the amusements and on the east side of the pier just past Harry Ramsdens.

Limited changing is available in existing toilets in the Pier Approach area, however, it is recommended that where possible, runners should arrive in race clothing.