If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like to see a T-Rex strolling down the high street or hundreds of dinosaurs charging across the sand, February half term in Weymouth has your answer.  On Saturday 14th February 2026, the award-winning Everybody Chase the Dinosaur run returns to Weymouth Beach, kicking off Dino Week in the most Weymouth way possible: playful, welcoming and just a little bit bonkers .

Whether you’re running, cheering from the sidelines, or simply hoping to grab a selfie with a roaming raptor, this is one of those events that reminds you why seaside towns do community so well.

Below, we break down what makes this event special - and why it’s become a firm fixture in the half-term calendar.

1. It’s Not Just a Run - It’s a Town-Wide Dino Takeover

The day starts long before anyone hits the sand.

From 10.00am, three large animatronic dinosaurs, a T-Rex, Raptor and Allosaurus, arrive outside the White Hart on New Bond Street. Escorted by their slightly overwhelmed rangers, they’ll roam the town centre, popping up where you least expect them.

Think surprised shoppers. Wide-eyed children. And plenty of phone cameras.

Later in the afternoon, the dinosaurs continue making appearances along St Thomas Street and New Bond Street, turning a simple trip into town into an unexpected bit of street theatre.

This isn’t about standing behind barriers. It’s about bumping into something memorable.

2. The Dino Run Is for Everyone (Really)

One of the reasons Everybody Chase the Dinosaur works so well is that it never takes itself too seriously.

You don’t need to be fast. You don’t need to be competitive. You don’t even need to be particularly coordinated.

What you do need is a willingness to take part.

There are race options for all ages, from a 5km beach run for adults to shorter routes for under-16s, under-11s and pre-schoolers. For 2026, there’s also a brand-new adults-only fun run for anyone who just wants to dress up, jog to the bandstand and back, and enjoy the silliness without worrying about times or prizes.

It’s inclusive by design. Fancy dress is encouraged. Laughing is unavoidable.

3. It Raises Money for a Local Cause

At the heart of the fun is something more meaningful.

The Dino Run raises funds for the Will Mackaness Trust, a local charity supporting young people’s mental health.

In 2025, the event more than doubled its original fundraising target, raising over £1,000. That sense of doing something positive, while having a great time, is a big part of why families return year after year.

As Dawn Rondeau-Irvine from We Are Weymouth puts it, this is an event that sums up what Weymouth does best: bringing people together, supporting good causes and having fun along the way .

4. Dino Week Turns a Day Out into a Proper Half-Term Break

The run might be the headline act, but it’s only the beginning.

Dino Week runs alongside the event, with Jurassic-themed activities spread across the town. Expect:

● Dino arts and crafts in venues around Weymouth

● A free AI Dino Trail, letting families “pose” with dinosaurs on their phones

● An expanded fossil trail, with five new fossils launching for 2026

● Ticketed experiences like Jurassic Earth return to Weymouth Pavilion

It’s the kind of programming that makes a winter seaside visit feel like a proper holiday, not just a day trip.

5. It Feels Unmistakably Weymouth

Perhaps the biggest reason Everybody Chase the Dinosaur has become such a success is that it feels authentic.

It’s not polished within an inch of its life. It doesn’t ask people to behave perfectly. It invites everyone to join in, however they like.

From Duke of Edinburgh volunteers helping things run smoothly to families lining the beach to cheer, it’s a reminder that some of the best events are the ones that don’t try too hard to be anything other than fun.

Whether you’re racing across the sand in an inflatable costume or simply watching dinosaurs wander past the pier, this is why Weymouth is known for its fancy dress obsession and weird, whacky and wonderful events.

Thinking of coming along? Everyone’s welcome. Run, cheer, spectate or dino-spot. Just don’t forget your camera.