A popular running event has been saved from being cancelled - by the people behind Ironman Weymouth.

Just Racing UK, which is based in Weymouth, has taken on the organisation of the Dorchester Marathon, but the 2019 event will only offer a half-distance event, not a full marathon.

The event was at risk of cancellation after White Star Running withdrew from the partnership with Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary after two years.

The Dorchester Marathon has raised considerable funds in previous years, which has been shared out between local charities and good causes.

John Adams of Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary said: “We are delighted to be forming a new partnership with Just Racing (UK) who have a National reputation for organising very successful running and triathlon events and to be able to maintain a prestigious local event which supports the local economy, encourages people to take part in sport and raises money for local charities and good causes."

He added: “We are most grateful to White Star Running for their help in developing the very successful Dorchester Marathon and Half over the past two years, but now that they have withdrawn from our partnership to concentrate on off road races, we have reviewed the event and decided to focus on a large half marathon, which has greater appeal for runners of all abilities and is more likely to grow over time.”

The 2019 Dorchester Half Marathon will start in the beautiful Kingston Maurward College Grounds, run through historic Dorchester and the stunning Dorset countryside and local villages, before returning to finish line and the athlete’s village at Kingston Maurward.

Alan Rose of Just Racing (UK) said: “We are really excited to be organising a race in our County Town and focussing on a half marathon provides us with the flexibility to provide a fantastic new course which is historic, scenic and relatively fast. This, together with the hospitality planned at the Athlete’s Village, will ensure that runners enjoy a very special weekend in glorious West Dorset.

“It also provides the opportunity to develop the ‘Dorset Double’ – a new competition combining runners' Weymouth Half marathon times (17th March) and Dorchester Half Marathon times with extra prizes for runners of all ages to compete for.”

The Weymouth half marathon will take place on March 17, 2019 while the Dorchester half marathon will be held on May 19.

Early bird entries for the Dorchester event are now open until November 11 and free places are available for anyone who is willing to raise £200 in sponsorship and run for the event’s charities.

Visit justracinguk.com