A coastal running challenge is set to be the biggest yet in its 36-year history.

The Charmouth Challenge, an eight-mile fell run along the west Dorset coast, have established itself as a favourite for fell runners from all over the UK, and has attracted 260 entrants so far, with race day entrants predicted to reach almost 400.

The race, which is organised by Charmouth Primary School PTA and takes place on Saturday, July 6 from 10am, attracts visitors to the village and raises essential funds for the school

Laura Cornish, headteacher at Charmouth Primary School, said: “Bringing the arts into the school and taking children out into new learning environments exposes them to different experiences, cultures or ways of thinking, making a positive impact on the children and their learning.

“The increasing pressure on the school budget means that without the immense support of the PTA, who organise the race, the racers who take part, these opportunities simply would not be available to our children.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year and we are enormously thankful to all the people in our community who make this race happen, and to those who travel here to take part.”

The Charmouth Challenge is a chip timed - the time it takes from the starting line to the finish line - eight-mile fell run through Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. It overlooks Charmouth’s famous fossil hunting beach and includes an ascent of Golden Cap which, at 191 meters, is the highest point on the south coast of England.

More than 10,000 runners have taken part in the event since its inception, with entrants travelling from as far afield as the Netherlands, USA and Spain to run the route.

Sharon Ward, a local runner and Lyme Regis Taekwondo 5th Dan black belt instructor, said: “I’ve run in various locations and in my view, it’s one of the very best races in the UK.

“Not only is it a really tough, challenging race, but it is set in the most stunning scenery - you really can’t beat the view when you reach the top of Golden Cap, which is a real boost.

“The race is very well organised, with excellent car parking right near the start point, and it’s just a spot on race. This year I am supporting the challenge as a back runner, and then my taekwondo group will be providing a demo.”

Bespoke medals will be handed out to all those who finish the race, with a special presentation gift to the category winners, which include the first, second and third male and female, the first male and female aged between 50 and 59, and the first male and female over 60.

There is also a chip timed two-mile fun run for running novices, children aged over eight and younger children taking part with an adult.

The school will be offering refreshments and activities, with the Charmouth fire crew attending to offer participants a much-needed cooling off.

For more information, visit charmouthchallenge.co.uk