ANYONE looking to test their physical endurance for a great cause has the opportunity as athletes once again gear up for the Weymouth Bay 10k.

Now in its eighth year, this race will see runners take on a beautiful coastal route along the Weymouth sea front in support of a Dorset based charity.

Participants will start their run at Bowleaze Green before heading towards the Pleasure Pier and returning to Overcombe. The course is an accurately measured road run.

Current record holders for the race are Ben Renshaw (male runner record) of Bridport Runners, who completed the course in 33:58 back in 2018 and Sophie Bubb (female runner record) of Lymington who just last year took on the challenge in 40.30.

The run this year will support Margaret Green Animal Rescue, a Wareham based charity that helps homeless animals.

The charity takes in pets that have found themselves without a home for various reasons - including neglect, mistreatment or abandonment - and gives them the care they need until a find a new forever home.

A spokesman said: "At Margaret Green Animal Rescue we are delighted to have been chosen by MCC Promotions as their charity of year! The fact that £1 from every entry fee will be donated to us, along with sponsorship raised by individual runners who have chosen to support the charity is fabulous news. All the money raised that comes to MGAR will help care for animals currently in rescue with us. Every year we care for over 1,200 animals across three centres; two in Dorset, one in Devon and support like this really does make a big difference to us. We are very much looking forward to the event and will have representatives there to cheer everyone on."

Anyone who thinks they can crack these records, or who simply wants to take on the run to help a really great cause, has until Wednesday, March 11 to enter. Entry for the race costs £15.

The race itself is set to take place on Sunday, March 15.

Runners on the day should go to the Riviera Hotel between 9am and 9.45 am. To enter the contest, visit mccpromotions.com/event/weymouth-bay-10k