THE countdown to the start of the third Purbeck Marathon is almost over.

Places for the popular event, voted the UK’s number one marathon by the respected Runners World magazine last year, were filled well before the closing deadline.

Four hundred runners will tackle the demanding course, which takes place in Purbeck beauty spots and sections of the picturesque Jurassic Coast path.

Race director Rose Clarke said: “The Purbeck Marathon is continuing to build on its excellent reputation with new initiatives planned for this year.

“The new finish area will give us great opportunities to build the event. We are also excited about introducing chip timing which will not only provide personal finishing times to all finishers, but will also be a major aid to the safety of the event.”

Two-time winner Steve Way, from Poole, will be defending his course record, following his Commonwealth Games personal best set earlier this year.

Many runners taking part in this year’s Purbeck event are from outside of the UK.

New to this year is the traffic-free finish along Shore Road, with the finishing straight on Sandpit Field.

An event spokesman explained: “All finishers will receive a special 2014 The Purbeck Marathon t-shirt and a Purbeck-themed goody bag including Purbeck Ice Cream and Isle of Purbeck Brewery beer. Alongside the finish, food will be available all day. The night before there will be a pasta party with licensed bar with tickets available through the race website.”

Organisers – who thanked local people for their “excellent support” last year – are hoping for bumper crowds again in 2014.

The Purbeck Marathon starts on The Downs, above Swanage Pier, on Sunday, September 14, at 9.30am.