Dinosaur charity run to return to Weymouth beach
One of Dorset’s favourite events, ‘Chase the Dinosaur’, is returning to Weymouth to kick off the February half-term
Weymouth is preparing for a prehistoric takeover as organisers announce the return of the popular Everybody Chase the Dinosaur event, set to take place on the 14th of February.
The family-friendly charity run will kick off the February half term and launch the town’s much-loved Dino Week, bringing animatronic dinosaurs and fancy-dress runners to Weymouth Beach.
Everybody Chase the Dinosaur secured third place as Dorset’s Favourite Event in 2025 and has quickly become one of the town’s standout attractions.
The run raises money for the Will Mackaness Trust and encourages participants of all ages to don dinosaur costumes and take part for fitness, fun and charity.
The day begins at 10am with a dramatic town-centre appearance from three large animatronic dinosaurs that will roam the streets, surprising shoppers and visitors.
At 12.30pm, the prehistoric trio will head to the beach ahead of the Dino Run warm-up, where hundreds of runners are expected to gather at the Pavilion end of Weymouth Beach.
Dawn Rondeau-Irvine, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth, said the event captures the spirit of the town.
“It brings people into Weymouth, creates a sense of fun and supports a brilliant local cause,” she said. “Seeing the town and beach filled with families, runners and roaming dinosaurs is something special.”
More than £1,000 was raised for the Will Mackaness Trust last year, with organisers hoping to exceed that total in 2026.
The run offers several race options, including a 5km adult route to Greenhill, shorter distances for children and a pre-school dash on the sand.
Dino Week will also feature Jurassic-themed activities across the town, including fossil trails, returning attractions at the Pavilion and new AI dinosaur experiences.
Organisers say the event is about taking part, dressing up and enjoying Weymouth at its most playful.