A WEYMOUTH half marathon is set to launch in the town next year.

Organiser of this year's Challenge Weymouth triathlon event announced the news today and it is set to be an economic boost for the resort bringing in athletes and spectators.

The Weymouth Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, March 15 along the Jurassic coastline.

The race follows a fast, rolling course, and is an ideal preparatory race for runners 'in training' for events later in the year including next year's Challenge Weymouth event.

Alan Rose, managing director of Just Racing UK, said: “I am delighted to be in a position to formally launch our new Weymouth Half Marathon event.

“We have explored all the very best roads in the area, and we are confident that the running community will enjoy the course as much as we do.”

He has already run the new half marathon course many times.

He added: “The course design is predominately flat with two small climbs to test the legs.

“Runners will be able to enjoy running past the National Sailing Academy; the venue of the 2012 Olympic Games and enjoy the fabulous coastline which Weymouth is famous for.

“The race starts on the sea front, right in front of the renowned and historical clock tower with stunning views of the world famous Jurassic Coastline.

“The course then weaves around Weymouth Bay and over Weymouth Bridge through the harbour, providing runners with a stunning view of Portland in the distance.”

There will be plenty of other activities in the area while the marathon is taking place.

Mr Rose said: “The final few miles of the event are especially spectacular as they run alongside the famous Chesil Beach taking runners into the heart of Weymouth.

“We are going to provide plenty of entertainment for people to enjoy at the finish, and can guarantee that it will be a fun day out for everyone.”

Just Racing UK is also offering an offering an opportunity for runners to race in a relay team of two.

This means that the first runner will complete eight miles, and the second, five miles, opening it up to those who don't quite feel ready to take on the full distance.

To enter the Weymouth Half Marathon, visit justracinguk.com/event/2015/Weymouth-half-marathon To also find out more about Challenge Weymouth or the Weymouth Half triathlon, both of which take place in September 2014/15 then visit challengeweymouth.com