MONTHS of hard work and preparation will be put to the test tomorrow as Dorset runners take on the London Marathon.

A wide variety of people from the county are taking on this year’s 26.2 mile challenge, representing a number of different causes.

Carolyn Schofield from Rodwell in Weymouth is raising money for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Speaking ahead of the race, the 54-year-old mother-of-two said: “I’m feeling a bit apprehensive, rather nervous but at the same time excited.”

Carolyn said she was inspired to take part after watching fellow members of the Dorset Soul Sisters complete the race.

She added: “I’ve had a few niggling injuries but I’m going to do it come hell or high water.”

Tomorrow’s race conditions are expected to be similar to last year’s event, which took place on a warm, dry day. The temperature will be around 8°C at 7am, rising to 10°C at 10am.

This will steadily rise to 14°C by 4pm.

Keith Pullen, 56, from Weymouth, who is raising money on behalf of CLIC Sargent said he hoped for perfect conditions.

Mr Pullen raised money for CLIC by busking outside Sainsbury’s in Weymouth.

He said the experience of running the marathon suddenly felt very real.

He added: “I know that I have done my hours. I have done the miles, and because of the way I did it, obviously I had to do the fundraising as well.

“It’s been the focus of my life for 10 months now. It’s a build up of a lot of things really.”

Elsewhere, Dorset County Hospital paediatrician Phil Wylie and his teenage son, Ben, are raising money for Parkinson’s UK.

Phil, from Martinstown, said: “It’s a long way. He’s a bit faster than me but I can run further than him.

“The primary objective is to get around together.”

He added: “You always have a time in the back of your mind but I think I will keep that to myself.”

Nearly 40,000 people are expected to take part in this year’s London Marathon.

Keep up to date with news of the marathon on our website dorsetecho.co.uk and see Monday’s Echo for a full report.