AROUND ten thousand runners, of all ages, are expected to descend on Bournemouth for the third edition of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival this year on October 3-4.

Now awarded Bronze label status by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) – the world governing body for running – in recognition of the high quality of the event, the Bournemouth Marathon Festival has established itself on the UK running calendar and this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever.

The full weekend of events attracts around 10,500 runners, with thousands more lining the course to support, and features the spectacular Speed of Light 5k, Supersonic 10k and two Junior Races on Saturday, with the Marathon and Half Marathon races on Sunday. The festival provides the perfect event for groups of runners or families to enjoy a full weekend.

Hometown hero Steve Way - a former takeaway addict and smoker who represented England at this year’s Commonwealth Games – took part in the 2014 event by racing in the half marathon and being the official race starter for the marathon.

Steve Way said: “It was so fantastic to see all members of the community become so involved in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival and welcome thousands of people from all over the UK and overseas. There was such a buzz around Bournemouth.

“2015 will be only be the third year of BMF, but it has already established its reputation as a must-do event for thousands of people. With the inclusion of the Supersonic 10k, Speed of Light 5k and Junior Races on Saturday as well as Sunday’s marathon and half marathon, there is something for everyone to aspire to.

“Lots of clubs and families make a full weekend of it and many raise thousands for charity too. I really enjoyed doing the half marathon last year. The support on the course was immense, it was a real carnival atmosphere. I would urge anyone thinking about it to give BMF a go in 2015. You won’t regret it!”

An estimated £0.5m will be raised for good causes by large contingents of charity runners who bring enthusiasm, colour and excitement to the Bournemouth Marathon Festival. Among the charity runners in 2014 was Joe Elliot, an estate agent from Wickford in Essex who completed the 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon events and Chris Spencer and David Withers of Kent Police Athletics Club who successfully completed the same ‘grand slam’ of races.

Others take part in the Bournemouth Marathon Festival as part of ongoing super endurance challenges; in 2014 Beaconsfield’s Steve Gill completed his 24th half marathon in as many weeks as part of his attempt to run 52 half marathons in 52 weeks in record time and the incomparable Steve Edwards of Cotswolds, who completed his 652nd marathon and aiming for a lifetime target of 1000.

For further information visit website run-bmf.com