IMPATIENT and rude drivers hurled abuse at marshals during the Bournemouth Marathon.

Many swore at those who had volunteered to keep participants safe during the event, involving thousands of runners.

Paul Woods, who was manning a road closure in Southbourne, said a minority of drivers who turned up were offensive and abusive.

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He told the Daily Echo: "During our training we had been told to have a 'can-do approach' and we were letting people cross the route whenever it was safe to do so.

"However, some drivers were demanding to be let across the road when the half-marathon and the marathon were clearly under way. We could not allow them across because it would have been dangerous."

Mr Woods was at the junction of Pine Avenue, Southbourne Grove and Southbourne Road.

He said drivers, who lived in the local area, claimed they had not been warned about the road closures despite warning notices and leaflets delivered to every home.

"These are the same people who will be surprised they have to pay for plastic bags today - the sort that don't take any notice of anything" he added.

Organisers of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, which attracted 11,000 runners over two days, have hailed the event a success. They declined to comment when asked about the abuse.