RUNNERS were out in force this weekend for the fifth annual Bournemouth Marathon Festival.

The marathon and the half-marathon got under way on Sunday morning, with thousands enjoying the seaside route in glorious sunshine.

It was an early 8am start for entrants in the half marathon at Kings Park.

The 13-mile route saw runners travel down to Southbourne and along the beach to Bournemouth Pier.

Shiv Patel, 28, took part in event dressed as the Genie from Disney’s Aladdin along with his colleagues Nina Renwick, 38, and Charlotte Saunders, 37, who were dressed as princesses.

The three runners, who work at Raynes Park David Lloyd, were part of a 45-strong group from the fitness club chain raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

“This is my first half marathon. I’m going to enjoy it and my aim is to not be the slowest ever person to take part,” Shiv said.

David Stokes, 56, from Bournemouth, has run in each of the Bournemouth Marathon Festivals and is raising money for Water Aid.

“I haven’t run for four weeks because I picked up an injury climbing Ben Nevis for the charity.

“I’m really looking forward to the event. It’s a great thing to be a part of and the weather is always good, which is a bonus.”

Brother’s Craig and Pete Marriott from Poole are raising money for Macmillan.

“It’s my first marathon and I’m quite apprehensive,” Craig said.

“We’ve done training and it’s been good.

“It’s a shame to say but cancer is part of daily life so if anyone can raise money for a good cause it’s great.”

At 10am, the marathon started, with Steve Edwards taking part in his 799th event.

Steve, who travelled down from the Cotswolds, is aiming to set a new world record by completing 1000 marathons in the fastest average time.

His goal is to reach the landmark with an average under 3h 20m.

Next weekend, Steve is completing marathon 800 in Birmingham and he already holds the record for the youngest person to run 100 marathons, and the average time for 500 marathons, of 3h 12m.

The endurance fanatic ran his first marathon back in 1981 and has taken part in every Bournemouth Marathon Festival to date.

“I think the key is perseverance and dedication,” Steve said.

“The hardest part is keeping all the training going.

“I love this event and I enjoy coming down here every year and it is organised really well.”