OVER 500 fitness fanatics took part in two running events across Swanage, Wareham and Corfe Castle this weekend.

The fourth annual Purbeck Marathon, which also featured a new 16-mile route, saw over 400 people take on the 27-mile route from their starting point near Swanage Pier and past Durlston Country Park, Kimmeridge, Tyneham, Lulworth and Corfe Castle.

Pete Roper went the distance and was named as the first to cross the finishing line with a time of three hours, 18 minutes and 39 seconds.

More than 160 additional people grabbed their trainers and running kit to face the first ever Purbeck 16. It followed the same route until keen athletes got to Kingston and were then signposted to Corfe Castle and followed a circular trail back to the finish at Sandpit Field.

Organiser, Martin Payne, said: "It went really well and I think as the fourth Purbeck Marathon event, it is the best one yet.

"It is a really tough course, but it has some beautiful views and people loved it, with some of them getting to see the Waverley Paddle Steamer in the sea as they were coming closer to the finishing line."

He said that double Olympic and Commonwealth medallist, Liz Yelling, was the first woman to complete the Purbeck 16. The overall winner of the 16-mile course named as Chris Stockdale, with a time of two hours, three minutes and 41 seconds.

Steven Gwillim, 41, from Wareham, said that he took part in the Purbeck Marathon for a 'challenge' and was supported by wife, Hailey, and daughters, Erin and Charlotte.

He said: "It's a good way to keep fit and see the nice scenery. I took part in The Beast, which was held a few weeks ago, but I've never run over 13-miles before now."

George Martin, 39, from Upton, was supporting Forest Holmes Hospice, based in Poole, during his run in the event.

He said: "I am doing it because 20 years ago, my dad died at the hospice, so I have been commemorating his 20 anniversary. I did the London Marathon earlier this year, but not the Purbeck Marathon."

Andy Croft, 48, a former Swanage resident, had travelled from his home in Switzerland to join his friends, Philip Clipson, 51, from Wimborne, Craig Wells, 46, from Swanage and Anton Howse, 56, from Wareham, for the marathon.

His friend, Craig, said: "I've done all of the Purbeck Marathons before and we decided to do this together as friends. It's demanding, but with fantastic views."