©The Purbeck Marathon
With entries full, the Purbeck Marathon is ready to go with runners due to arrive on the Downs above Swanage Pier on Sunday 14 September for a 9.30am start. The race over the classic Marathon distance of 26.2 miles (and a little bit more) is not just scenic but provides a challenge for even the most experienced. There is a new finish this year which follows Shore Road with the finishing straight on Sandpit Field.
The 400 entrants are coming from far and wide including many from outside the UK. It is hoped that the two-times men’s winner Steve Way will be able to defend his title fresh from his excellent performance for England at the Commonwealth Games. Steve’s course record from 2012 stands at 2.56.52, some distance behind his Commonwealth Games Personal Best of 2.15.16. The women’s record of 3.42.21 was set by Rhiannon Shepherd in 2013.
The marathon is a community event, put on by volunteers in order to the share scenic run and to raise much needed funds for local charities and good causes.
