OH YEA! Oh yea! Dorchester marathon is set to start in style to the sound of the Town Crier’s bells.

Dorchester Marathon is now just a month away and organisers are encouraging everyone to come out and show their support for the event.

Dorchester town crier Alistair Chisholm will be in fine voice to start the race off with a special cry penned for the event and a ring of bells.

He said: “I’m pleased to be associated with any of the great events going on in our county town, but I’m particularly thrilled to be invited to open our first ever marathon.

“It promises to be a great community event and I’d encourage anyone who lives in Dorchester or the surrounding villages to get out and cheer the runners on. I certainly will be.”

The event is being organised by the Casterbridge Rotary Club and White Star Running.

With a month to go till the big day itself on May 28, the organisers are keen that people come and cheer the runners on. The marathon will start at the Cokers Frome Show Ground at 8.30am, with the half marathon setting off at 9.30 am.

The marathon route will go through the east of Dorchester, passing a number of villages including West Stafford, Woodsford, Tincleton, Briantspuddle and Puddletown. The half marathon will follow a similar route but will cut though Puddletown Forest before joining the full marathon again at Puddletown.

Organisers are urging anyone concerned about how road closures may affect their travel plans, to contact them for advice before the event.

John Adams, chair of the organising committee, said: “This event is being organised by local people for the benefit of local charities and good causes.

“We’re really hoping that everyone living in and around Dorchester gets behind it and supports it in whatever way they can, whether that is waving a flag as the runners go past, or helping direct traffic on the day.”

Marshals are still needed to help out on race day.

Anyone interested in either marshalling for the event or in getting information about traffic and travel plans, can contact the organisers on raceadmin@whitestarrunning.co.uk.