If you're someone who is beginning the New Year with a fresh exercise regime, or simply want to burn off the excessive amount of Yule log you've eaten, look no further.

Whether you're aiming to tackle a new challenge or want to push your fitness levels further, there is a wide range of fun fitness events taking place across Dorset in 2020.

*Portland Coastal Marathon - Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Portland, Sunday, February 2

Held by Bustinskin, take on a 10km, half marathon or full distance route. This is a challenging run of dramatic, rugged cliffs, nationally rare plants, hidden coves and stunning views. Enter at https://bustinskin.com/events/portland-coastal-marathon-2020/

*Weymouth Half Marathon - Sunday, March 22

Now in its sixth year, runners can complete a traffic free, fast course and take in a historical and scenic tour of Weymouth's dramatic past and landscape through the town, harbour, country parks and sea front. Money will be raised for the local Weymouth Rotary group and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

*Dorset Ooser Marathon & Half Marathon - Turners Puddle, Sunday, March 29

Take on a challenging trail race in the heart of Dorset. Now in its third year, run a route that will take you into parts of deepest darkest Dorset, via old tracks, hidden holloways, ancient woodlands, and forgotten trails. The races start from an ancient thatched barn in a historic tiny hamlet of Turners Puddle. In the marathon there are 13 hills, around 1000m of elevation, a fair bit of mud to lose your trail shoes in, seven stiles to clamber over and two fords. Enter at dorset-ooser-marathon.co.uk/

*KAPOW! Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, May 3, 11am

Don superhero fancy dress and run, climb, slide, duck and dodge as you take on our 10 unique obstacles on a 5k course and help raise money for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. You don’t have to run the whole way, and there’s no pressure to attempt every obstacle. Fancy dress is encouraged. Junior Superheroes are welcome too! Children under 16 must be over 1.2m (4ft) tall to take part in KAPOW! Go to https://www.weld-hospice.org.uk/events/kapow/ to take part.

*Jurassic Coast Challenge - Durdle Door, May 17, 8am

For those who prefer to walk, take on a 13 mile or 26 mile trek in aid of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust. Starting at Durdle Door, 26 mile trekkers will walk along the Jurassic coastline where at Worth Matravers the 13 mile trekkers will join the trek for a group finish in Studland, with views of Old Harry Rocks and well earned celebratory refreshments. Enter at https://www.weld-hospice.org.uk/events/jurassic-coast-challenge/

*The Egdon Pyjama Jaunt - Weymouth Rugby Club, May 19, starting at 6.30pm

The Egdon Heath Harriers are holding this event to raise money for Dorset Mind, a pioneering local charity that educates and challenges mental health stigma and inequality whilst helping those with mental health issues.

It is ideal for people who want to raise money for a great cause and have fun doing so.

The route is entirely off-road and will begin and end at Weymouth Rugby Club. There are two routes for this run, the first being a fun, untimed 1.5 mile route for children (adults running with children must also enter) which costs £2.

The second is the 4.5 mile route which costs £5. Wearing pyjamas is optional, but encouraged. You can enter online at: https://www.egdonheathharriers.com/ourraces/race.php?id=9

*Great Dorset Cycle Challenge - Dorchester, June 14, 9am

Take in the sights of some of Dorset’s most famous landmarks on 26 mile, 54 mile and 74 mile routes. All three routes start in Dorchester at the Borough Gardens and follow three different courses around the Dorset countryside joining back together for a group finish in Dorchester. Go to https://www.weld-hospice.org.uk/events/great-dorset-cycle-challenge-2020/ to enter.

*Colmers Hill 10k Challenge - Symondsbury, Bridport, July 8, 7pm.

The Challenge, returning for its fourth year, is a multi terrain 10k running event that starts and finishes at Manor Yard in Symondsbury.

The race will be mainly off road, running on privately owned paths and tracks and incorporating a climb to the top of the iconic Colmers Hill.

Standard entry is £20pp. To enter, visit: https://symondsbury.fullonsport.com/event/colmers-hill-10k-challenge/profile

*Swim The Bay - Weymouth, July 18, 8.30am

If you feel more at home in the water, do not fear. Swim The Bay is taking place on Weymouth Bay, an iconic stretch of water with stunning views over the spectacular Jurassic Coast.

There are two options, one being a 1.2 mile swim (half the bay) and the other a 2.4 mile swim (the full bay).

The full swim will start at Bowleaze Coveway and the half swim will start alongside the groyne opposite Lodmoor Country Park.

Both distances will exit the water on the beach alongside the Pier and finish on the beach.

Prices vary from £27-£45.

Visit the Just Racing UK website to find out more: https://justracinguk.com/event/swim-weymouth-bay/

*Weldmar's Midnight Walk - Weymouth, July 18, 9pm

This popular event starts at Weymouth College and sees walkers take in the bright lights of Weymouth and the shimmering beauty of Weymouth Bay by night. Enter at https://www.weld-hospice.org.uk/events/midnightwalk/

*Round the Rock 10k - Portland, August 9 -10.30am

The route of this race is undulating, predominately on tarmac roads and pavements, and taking you around the top of the Isle of Portland in a figure of eight, with a short loop of two and a half kilometers and a longer loop of seven and a half kilometers. There's a chance to take in some breath-taking sea views on this course. The race starts and finishes at the Blues Club Grove Road, Portland. Go to https://www.fullonsport.com/event/round-the-rock-10k-2020/profile to enter.