THE DORCHESTER Half Marathon has been cancelled, according to an email sent to entrants today (Tuesday, February 19).

Organisers stated that not enough people entered the event.

With just three months to go until the May 19 event, runners who had already entered received an email telling them the half marathon would not be going ahead.

It read: "Dear Runner, with just three months to go to the Dorchester Half Marathan, we have taken the very difficult decision to cancel this year's event.

"Despite our best marketing and promotional efforts, entries have been lower than predicted and with just three months to go, we are unable to continue with what we hoped would be a fantastic closed road half marathon event."

Every person that has already entered will be issued a full refund within the next 7-10 days.

The Echo reported in October that the event had been saved by Just Racing UK, the organisation behind Ironman Weymouth.

The event was at risk of cancellation after White Star Running withdrew from the partnership with Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary after two years.

The Dorchester Marathon has raised considerable funds in previous years, which has been shared out between local charities and good causes.

The Echo has tried to contact Just Racing UK and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary.