Step Into Christmas 2026

Step Into Christmas is a running event on the beachfront promenade at Southbourne, east of Bournemouth. It uses a flat tarmacked route, allowing runners simple underfoot conditions, and the format lets participants choose distances from 5K up to an ultra-marathon. Starts are available in a morning window, with everyone working toward an afternoon finish cut-off and a maximum time limit of seven hours. The route is an out-and-back along the prom, with coastal views and a start-finish point runners return to each lap. There is an aid and drinks table at the start and finish of every lap, stocked with sweet and savoury items, and runners can leave their own supplies nearby. Anyone completing at least one lap gets a medal, and the event keeps logistics straightforward with race numbers collected on the day, public toilets and showers along the promenade, and a bring-your-own-cup policy as plastic cups are not supplied.