RUNNERS descended on the seafront this weekend putting their best foot forward for the sixth annual Bournemouth Marathon Festival.

Over the two days and eight events thousands took part with beaming smiles, tears of joy and the odd grimace of pain.

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The main draws of the marathon and half-marathon set off from Kings Park on Sunday morning.

Despite the cold chill in the air, runners were greeted by glorious sunshine ahead of their hours pacing around Bournemouth’s roads and seafront.

The half-marathon set off at 8am, with plenty of costumes and fancy dress on show. Two hours later the full marathon also got started.

Local runners from various clibs and organisations were joined by people from all over the country for the popular run.

Paul Cuddeford, from London, made his way around the course in a 12kg rhino outfit.

The race was his 16th wearing the costume and for raising awareness with international charity Save the Rhino. He does not train in the outfit and admitted you do not see that well and it can get quite hot.

“We are losing a thousand rhinos a year, an average of three a day, so it very important to raise as much awareness and funds as possible for the cause,” Paul said.

“There are 10 people working at the charity so they punch above their weight.

“I hold the record for the most marathons in a rhino suit.

“This is my first in Bournemouth. It has a fantastic atmosphere, good organisation. Running along the piers was the incentive for coming to the marathon here.”

Andy Sayles, from Bath, was taking part in his second marathon and hoped to enjoy the experience more than his first in Milton Keynes.

He took part in today’s event dressed as Spiderman and raised money for the Bristol children’s hospital.

“The first marathon was awful so I had another go and Bournemouth looked awesome,” Andy said.

“It is a lovely place, with great views, nice people, what more would you want?

Michael Shelton took on the 26.2-mile route with giant teddy bear Trevor on his back, raising money for mental health charity Mind.

“I worked with a friend who tragically did lose his life, but the charity supported him so I thought I would bring Trevor along and do the race for Mind,” he said.

“Normally Trevor gets the support and I don’t but that is fine.

“I ran Bournemouth last year and really enjoyed it. There is always a really good atmosphere.”

For more pictures of this year's Bournemouth Marathon Festival see tomorrow's and Tuesday's Daily Echo