AROUND 600 people took part in a gruelling mass running event through Purbeck. 

The annual Purbeck Marathon, which forms part of the Purbeck Running Festival, featured a 26.7-mile and 16-mile route for participants. Durlston Country Park, Tyneham, Corfe Castle and Swanage Railway are just a few of the landmarks that runners saw as they pounded the pavements and fields.

Martin Payne, said: “We call it more than a marathon because it is well organised by such a small team and it is slightly longer than a normal marathon. 

“Then there is the incredibly scenery starting with Swanage Pier, past Durlston, and the abandoned village of Tyneham.

“The marshals were there to encourage people, as well as for safety. Some areas are remote and there are walkers who will see them and cheer them on.”

Brian Sanderson, 60, took on the full marathon for Julia’s House as part of six running challenges that he set himself to mark turning 60, which also included the Purbeck Beast and a climb up Mount Snowdon. He said: “I’m a Purbeck Runner so I like to support it. I always do things for Julia’s House because they are a great charity and get so little funding from the government.” 

Paul Viney, 47, was joined by friends Emma Livermore, Lucy Tidbury, Sarah Swift, Laura Cornwell, Esther Downes and Dan Meineck for the Purbeck 16.

He said: “We dressed up as farm characters because it’s a bit of fun. It isn’t a race that you can really do for a time and Lucy has an art business, where she paints pictures of cows, so that decides the theme.”

Gary Sharp was supported by wife, Louise, and their son, Lenny, nine, ahead of his participation in the Purbeck 16. 

He said: “I have taken part in other events before including the London Marathon and I was using this run as a practice before the Bournemouth Marathon in a couple of weeks.”

Liz Goldsack, 50, Matt Coggins, 34, Culvin Milmer, 39, Simon Crabtree, 39, Tracy Brooks, 46 and Jonathan Wollen, 53, all members of the Purbeck Runners took on the full marathon. 

Mike said that they had run the event each year since it started and he thinks it is a great event as it brings people into the town.