HUNDREDS of people are expected to lace up their running shoes for the Rotary Quarter Marathon on Saturday (March 30).

The tenth annual marathon sets off from Boscombe Pier on a 6.5 mile course for hardened runners, along the promenade through Southbourne to Hengistbury Head and back again.

There are also shorter runs, and an Easter Bun Fun Run, for families.

Runners are invited to raise cash for their own charity choices and the remainder, more than £7,000 last year, will go to charities chosen by East Cliff Rotary Club, which organises the event.

This year the club’s charities are Julia’s House hospice, Bournemouth Food Bank, Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired and the Salvation Army BH1 Project in Boscombe.

Teams from Christchurch solicitors Frettens and Poole solicitors Princecroft Willis are laying down the gauntlet to other teams to take them on.

Princecroft Willis managing partner Mark Johns said: “Our team have been training hard and we’re feeling good to go – now we’re hoping for lots of firms to take us up on our challenge.”

Lots of prizes are up for grabs at the UK Athletics registered event, as well as hot cross buns and medals for those taking part.

Race director Keith Loveless said: “We’re hoping for a bumper turnout for our tenth annual run.

“It’s always great fun, and usually the weather is good. Come and burn off those Easter eggs – then you can tuck in to the chocolate the next day without feeling guilty.”

Sponsor forms are available at www.rotaryclubofbournemoutheastcliff.org.uk.