RUNNERS are on their marks to sign up for the first ever Dorchester Marathon.

Registration opens at 6pm this evening for the event, which will take place at the end of May next year.

As reported earlier this week in the Echo, a fun, sociable and value for money running event has been created, aimed at competitors of all ages.

A launch event was held at the Corn Exchange in Dorchester this week – and organisers are now encouraging runners to sign up online.

The marathon –and half marathon – have been masterminded by Casterbridge Rotary Club and will be organised in partnership with White Star Running.

It is hoped that around 2,000 runners will take part.

Dorchester Mayor Robin Potter said: “I’m genuinely excited to have a marathon in Dorchester.

"I think everyone in the town and villages around can get behind the event and make it a really great event for the town, whether they choose to run or not.

“I have completed the London Marathon some years ago, so I might even register to run myself."

John Adams, chairman of the organising committee, thanked everyone who has been involved so far, including the main sponsors, Kiteleys Solicitors.

He paid particular thanks to those who have made the route possible.

He said: “We’ve worked really closely with Dorset County Council highways department and we couldn’t have got this far without them.

"They have been really great about helping us find a route that suits them as well as our runners.

“We’re also extremely grateful to two local farmers for letting us run through their land. Getting permission from John Mayo and Tim Cox has made the whole event possible.

We’re just in the final stages of sorting out the route and we can’t wait to unveil it to everyone.”

Andy Palmer from White Star Running said the main beneficiary of the marathon is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Mr Palmer said it was hoped to make the event 'Dorset’s premier running event'.

Anyone who wants to take part can enter online at www.dorchestermarathon.co.uk Entries open at 6pm today, Friday April 29. It costs £40 for the marathon and £30 for the half marathon.

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