THE Purbeck Trail Series will be under starter’s orders this weekend.

Now in its sixth year, the event consists of six races and is said to be the south’s toughest, yet most scenic race series taking runners over the best off-road trails the Isle of Purbeck has to offer.

The series begins with the Dorset Ooser Half Marathon on Sunday, March 31.

The Dorset Ooser is the newest addition to the series and will see runners take on farm tracks, footpaths and country trails through ancient woodlands, old hidden holloways, heathland and picturesque hamlets.

This will be followed by the Lulworth Castle 10k on June 23, The Beast on September 1, The Purbeck 16 on September 15, The Black Hill 10k on September 22 and the Studland Stampede 12k on October 13.

Places are already full for The Dorset Ooser and the Studland Stampede but places are still available for the remaining races.

Runners completing any of the races will automatically score Purbeck Trail Series points.

The four best results count for individual runners and the more races participants enter, the higher their potential points and the greater their chance of winning a prize.

As well as prizes for the top three female and males, there are 10 age category prizes on offer.

Those who complete all six races will receive a special commemorative award.

To enter, visit https://purbecktrailseries.wixsite.com/purbecktrailseries