SOME of the world’s fastest marathon runners will race along the promenade and jurassic seafront of Bournemouth and Poole in the second Bournemouth Marathon.

More than 9,000 runners entered to take part in the first Bournemouth Marathon Festival, which saw Ethiopian Ebisa Merga claim the inaugural marathon trophy, racing to the finish line in two hours, 16 minutes and 41 seconds.

Organisers are now predicting another “super fast” series of road races with Ebisa due to defend his title alongside Kenyans Japhet Koech, who set a personal best at this year’s Edinburgh Marathon in two hours, 16 minutes and 29 seconds, and Andrew Lesuuda who is debuting in his first marathon after winning the Cardiff 2012 and Reading 2013 half marathon.

The women’s contest is equally as strong. Risper Kimaiyo, from Kenya is favourite to win, entering the race with a personal best of two hours, 29 minutes and 16 seconds – just under the current female course record set last year by Olha Kotovska from the Ukraine in two hours, 31 minutes and 50 seconds.

There are six races on offer at the 2014 Bournemouth Marathon Festival, guaranteeing something for everyone from the seasoned runner to the charity fundraiser and beginners.

The fun kicks off on Saturday, October 4 at the Lower Gardens with the Supersonic 10k, Speed of Light 5K which is run at dusk and two junior races. Sunday, October 5 is the Bournemouth Marathon and Half Marathon, starting from Kings Park Drive.

To find out more, or sign up, visit run-bmf.com