A number of road closes will be in place as hundreds of runners hit the streets of Dorchester tomorrow.

The county town is hosting its second marathon and half marathon and organisers are keen to let the public know of the road closures that will be in place.

The event is being organised by members of Casterbridge Rotary Club and White Star Running, a company that specialises in organising races.

Andy Palmer from White Star Running said: “We are really looking forward to the county town’s 2018 marathon and half marathon and we would love to see you all come out and support our runners.

“However, we have to put the safety of our runners first, and need to make sure that roads are closed while they run though. We realise that local people do have other commitments and if you get in touch with us we will do our very best to accommodate your needs to use local roads on the day of the races.”

As well as giving runners a chance to enjoy the countryside, the marathon and half marathon also raise much-needed funds for local groups and charities and help make a significant contribution to the economy.

John Adams, chairman of the marathon organising committee, said: “These are great events which runners and their families really enjoy, but they also have a serious side in promoting west Dorset as a future holiday destination for visitors, and raising money for groups that need our help.

“Last year’s events meant £3,000 was donated to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance as well as £10,000 to 26 charities and good causes based in and around Dorchester.”

People come from all over the country to take part and bring money into Dorchester businesses.

Carl Miles from Plymouth ran in last year’s race.

He said: “A heartfelt thanks and warm appreciation to the White Star team and Dorchester Rotary for a superbly well organised and fun inaugural event.

“We camped as a family with friends and found the welcome and organisation friendly, efficient and with a great sense of humour from when we arrived on Saturday till we left on Monday.

“It was all awesome and perfectly clear that a huge amount of hard work, dedication and passion had gone into this. Thank you to all, we loved it and we will be back.

For more information visit dorchestermarathon.co.uk

The closures on Sunday, May 27 will be as follows:

*There will be no access to Dorchester town centre from Stinsford Hill roundabout or via the A352 between 7am and 10am. There will also be traffic control measures at Buckingham Way and the A352 towards Broadmayne.

*Between 9.30am and 10.30am there will only be access to Lower Bockhampton vis Knapwater and Kingston Maurward Estate.

*There will be no access to West Stafford between 8.30am and 10.30am. There will also be no access to Woodsfood between 9am and 10am, to Tincleton between 9.30am and 11am and Puddletown Forest from 9.30am until 11.30am, Affpuddle between 10am and 1pm and Waterstone between 10.15am and 3pm.

*Between 9.30am until 12noon there will be marshal-controlled access from northbound B3390 to Pallington.

*There will also be controlled marshal access to Briantspuddle between 10am and 1pm.

*In Tolpuddle there will be parking restrictions on Dorchester Road as well as managed access through west to east along Dorchester Road to join the A35 between 10am and 1.30pm.

In Athelhampton there will be managed access through west to east from the A35 from 1030am until 2pm.

*There will also be managed access in Puddletown between 10am and 2.15pm as well as parking restrictions on Athelhampton Road and High Street.

There will be managed access through west to east from the A35 exit to Blandford Road, Athelhampton Road and Dorchester Road.

New Street, Butt Close and Milom Lane will also be marshal controlled.

* An alternative route will be available for motorists driving through Waddock Cross to access Crossways, Warmwell and the A35 via Bere Regis and Hurst from 9am until 1pm. Traffic travelling north will be able to travel east towards Bovington and traffic travelling east from Bovington will be able to travel south towards Crossways.