Places features

Endurance running is a growing sport with 150 athletes taking part in the Jurassic Coast Challenge this year.

Starting in Lyme Regis, the route follows the South West Coast Path along some of Britain's most spectacular coastal scenery to Swanage.

But the terrain is tough. Hill climbs and steep drops, which are difficult for walkers, are especially difficult for those running the 78.2 miles at a time of year when the weather isn't always very kind.

The most notorious points are at Golden Cap, Durdle Door and the stretch of path between Kimmeridge and Swanage which is continuously hilly. 

The race covers 78 miles of coast path.

Last year's Jurassic Coast Challenge saw two races running side by side. The main event - three marathons in three days and the toughest of all - three marathons in 24 hours.

The 24-hour race called the ONER has been put off until August because conditions were so bad that the race through the night had to be abandoned. A severe storm meant the athletes had to seek shelter for five hours, before they could resume at first light. 

The decision to stage the ONER in the summer was also brought about because of the growing popularity of the three day challenge. This year will see entries from as far away as Kenya and America.

Considering the race only began in 2005 with just 12 entrants, a field of 150 this year is impressive.

Oliver Sinclair won the 2008 race, with a total time of 14 hours and 12 minutes. Lucy Brookes was the fastest woman, not far behind notching up a total of 14 hours 20. 

Spokesman for the organiser Peter Mason said, "Most people do the race, not because they're chasing a time but because they want to see if they can finish."

If running 78.2 miles of tough cliff terrain proves to be an enjoyable experience there's the option of two similar events. The Atlantic Coast Challenge in North Cornwall is in September and a new three marathon race along the Pembrokeshire coast is to be held in October.