BRIDPORT'S fifth Jurassic Coast Run has been judged so challenging it's been classified as a fell run.

Organised by the Bridport Runners preparations are well under way with more than 50 runners entered online for the two races, the 10k and the half-marathon.

Due to its challenging route and inclination – including the second highest hill on the South Coast of England, Thorncombe Beacon – the organisers have been advised that the race course fulfils the criteria to be categorised as a “Fell Race”.

Runners press officer Hagen Gerle said: "Fell running is hill or mountain running where the gradient climbed and distance covered are significant components of the difficulty.

"It is considered one of the toughest forms of cross country running. Bridport Runners who organise the race jointly with Brit Valley Rotary Club will apply for the Fell Race status next year."

To get a better view of the course near its highest point, Bridport Runners have uploaded a short video on their website and Facebook page which was taken during last year’s race.

The Bridport Jurassic Coast Run will start on Sunday August 6, at 10.30am near The Old Salt House and will be one of the major attractions during West Bay Days.

Although the 10k race five years old the half marathon had its successful debut at West Bay Days last year.

The course hasn't changed – apart from adding a visit to Seatown for the half-marathon runners which makes the whole distance a proper 13.1+ miles.

Last year the fastest male runner Edward Knudsen completed the half-marathon race in 1 hour 33 minutes and 21 seconds.

The fastest female was Jessica Bennett who did it in one hour 46 minutes and 9 seconds.

On the 10k race, the time of the fastest male runner Nigel Gates was 46:01 with the fastest woman, Lydia

O’Donoghue, covering the distance in ran 54:54.

Both races are affiliated runs with UK Athletics

Registration for the races is open online through the websites of Runners World runnersworld.co.uk and RunBritain runbritain.com, see Bridport Jurassic Coast Run under events or races. Entrance forms are also available on Bridport Runners’ website bridport-runners.co.uk and the club’s Facebook page.