If you're someone who wants to start the New Year by starting a new exercise regime, or simply want to burn off the excessive amount of Yule log you've eaten, look no further.

Whether you're aiming to tackle a new challenge or want to push your fitness levels further, there are a wide range of fun fitness events taking place across Dorset in 2020.

Unfortunately the Bournemouth Marathon is not taking place in 2020, with the 26.2 mile event being axed in order to host a variety of new events entitled Run Bournemouth.

However, there are plenty of other exciting fitness events taking place over the course of the year.

1. The Egdon Pyjama Jaunt

The Egdon Heath Harriers are holding this event to raise money for Dorset Mind, a pioneering local charity that educates and challenges mental health stigma and inequality whilst helping those with mental health issues.

It is ideal for people who want to raise money for a great cause and have fun doing so.

The route is entirely off-road and will begin and end at Weymouth Rugby Club.

There are two routes for this run, the first being a fun, untimed 1.5 mile route for children (adults running with children must also enter) which costs £2.

The second is the 4.5 mile route which costs £5.

Wearing pyjamas is optional, but encouraged.

This event will take place on May 19 2020 at 6:30pm.

You can enter online at: egdonheathharriers.com/ourraces/race.php?id=9

2. The ever-popular New Forest marathon will take place on September 13 2020.

There are six race options for next year's marathon, including a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Junior 1k, Junior 200m and a Woodland Walk.

All routes will start and finish from New Park Showground, Brockenhurst and wind through the heart of the New Forest National Park.

The multi-terrain courses offer extremely scenic running experiences, with a blend of forest enclosures, open roads, far reaching views and of course, New Forest ponies.

Money raised will go towards the The New Forest Marathon Community Fund, helping local good causes and making a huge impact to many people and organisations.

Entry fee varies depending on route chosen.

Visit www.newforestmarathon.co.uk/#top for more details.

3. Swim The Bay

If you feel more at home in the water, do not fear.

Swim The Bay is taking place on Weymouth Bay, an iconic stretch of water with stunning views over the spectacular Jurassic Coast.

There are two options, one being a 1.2 mile swim (half the bay) and the other a 2.4 mile swim (the full bay).

The full swim will start at Bowleaze Coveway and the half swim will start alongside the groyne opposite Lodmoor Country Park.

Both distances will exit the water on the beach alongside the Pier and finish on the beach.

Prices vary from £27-£45.

Visit the Just Racing UK website to find out more: justracinguk.com/event/swim-weymouth-bay/

4. Cider Frolic and Piggy Plod

Back by popular demand, the White Star running club in Poole are holding their Cider Frolic and Piggy Plods on July 24-26 2020.

There are three events available to take part in over the weekend.

Cider Sessions is an eight hour lapped race, where you can turn up at any point within the eight hours and run as much or as little as you like.

The Cider Frolic is a race for solos, pairs, threes and teams of fours.

It involves a squeaky rubber baton and heaps of fun, as well as food and drink at the end of the race.

Finally, there are two categories of Piggy Plod: Adult and Children.

The adult Piggy Plod entails running 10k around the cider farm.

The kids Piggy Plod is approximately 2.5 miles around the cider farm and adults have the opportunity to run that course with them.

For a full list of prices and times, visit: whitestarrunning.co.uk/cider-frolic-piggy-plod-2020/

5. Race for Life

Next year brings a Race for Life 5k to Bournemouth on June 14.

Starting at The Seafront, Pier Approach, this 5k appeals to all abilities to take part and help raise valuable funds for life-saving research.

The race begins at 11am and participants are asked to arrive one hour before the event starts.

Entry fees are as follows: Adults and young adults are £14.99, children are £10, and under 6s go free.

To register, visit: raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event/the-seafront-5k-2020-06-14-0000

6. Dorset Neon Run

Light up the night and run, dance or walk around Poole Park for the annual Neon Run by Dorset's Diverse Abilities

This fun, luminous 5k will take place on April 25 from 7pm.

The sign up fee is £10 but you have the opportunity to raise extra funds for Diverse Abilities.

The 5k route will take you around the whole of Poole Park on a night fun run, meaning that a fully working head torch must be worn to ensure safety.

For more information and registration details, visit: www.diverseabilities.org.uk/neonrun/

7. Pier to Pier Sunset Swim

The British Heart Foundation are hosting a Sunset Swim on July 11 2020 at 6:30pm.

This event entails swimming 1.4 miles parallel to the shore from Bournemouth Pier to Boscombe Pier with the backdrop of a beautiful summer sunset.

If you are not a confident swimmer, or want to improve your swimming skills, you have the opportunity to enrol in a 10-week training course with the British Heart Foundation.

For entry costs and event details visit: www.timeoutdoors.com/events/swims/BHF-Pier-to-Pier-Sunset-Swim

8. BELIEVE

Maloca are bringing their seventh BELIEVE party to Bournemouth with a fun-filled weekend of Zumba and dance.

They will be in Bournemouth from July 3-5 hosting a variety of events that will guarantee to get your hips moving.

With different events taking place over the weekend, there will be plenty to choose from.

From Zumba masterclasses to a Jam session, you are spoilt for choice.

To find out more about the events and prices, visit: www.malocauk.com/believe

9. Colmers Hill 10k Challenge

The Colmers Hill Challenge returns for its fourth year on July 8.

The Challenge is a multi terrain 10k running event that starts and finishes at Manor Yard in the village of Symondsbury, Dorset.

It will begin at 7pm and finish at 9pm.

The race will be mainly off road, running on privately owned paths and tracks and incorporating a climb to the top of the iconic Colmers Hill.

Standard entry is £20pp.

To enter, visit: symondsbury.fullonsport.com/event/colmers-hill-10k-challenge/profile

10. Bournemouth Bay Run

The established event is expected to prove to be popular again this year, with a half marathon, 10k, 5k and 1k family fun along the Bournemouth coastline.

The runs are in aid of the British Heart Foundation and take place on Sunday, April 5.

For more information, visit: www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/events/runs/health-on-line-bournemouth-bay-run

11. And finally, the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride.

This fun-filled event sees more than 700 riders of all ages take on various cycling routes around the wonderful countryside of Dorset to raise money for charity.

This event is suitable for all the family as well as serious cyclists.

There are eight routes planned from 10 to 108 miles so you can decide what challenge you want to take on.

The Rotary Dorset Bike Ride will be taking place on September 13 and you can register on the day or on their website.

Entry fees for the cycle event are: 108, 80 or 70 mile routes: £25 in advance or £30 on the day.

10-55 mile routes: £15 in advance or £20 on the day.

Children under 16 years: Free for 10-35 mile routes, otherwise ½ price.