HUNDREDS of runners are set to tackle the gruelling Purbeck Marathon on Sunday.

The marathon, now in its fifth year, has been folded into the inaugural Purbeck Running Festival for 2016, which includes the shorter Purbeck 16 race.

And, in a move calculated to boost tourism across the district, the running festival will also run alongside the Purbeck Outdoor Weekend - which includes Nordic Walking and mountain bike events.

The Purbeck Marathon, which at slightly longer than the traditional 26 miles and 385 yards, is billed as 'more than just a marathon', will start on the downs above Swanage Pier at 9.30am on September 18.

Race director Martin Payne said: "We are very proud of what the Purbeck Marathon has achieved over five years and it can justifiably claim to be more than just a marathon.

"Every year gets better and we are confident that the 2016 races will continue that."

The race route takes in Durlston, Worth Matravers, Kingston, passes above Kimmeridge to cross MOD land and runs through deserted Tyneham Village.

An event spokesman explained: "Turning for home, the runners have a long uphill to reach the Purbeck ridge which they follow through Creech to Corfe Castle, Nine Barrow Down and via Ulwell to finish on Sandpit Field above the sea front in Swanage."

The Purbeck 16 race, starting at 10am, follows much of the same route, but cuts across to Corfe Castle from Kingston.

The spokesman added: "Runners have always mentioned not just the beauty of the course but also the strong support from locals around the route, even in seemingly remote spots.

"The Purbeck Marathon not only showcases the stunning scenery of Purbeck but also the friendliness and welcome from the people who are fortunate to live there."

All finishers receive a special goody bag including a T-shirt, a bottle of Purbeck Cider and a Purbeck Ice Cream.