TWO Dorset businessmen are running in competition with one another for the London Marathon this year.

James Shepard, 60, founder of Larmer Tree Festival, will be running the marathon in aid of the festival’s charity partner, the MS Society.

Ian Knauer, 51, Area Business Development Manager at Ringwood Brewery, is raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

James has said that if someone can beat his time, they could be in with a chance of winning a pair of five-day tickets to the Larmer Tree Festival and a stay in a luxurious Hotel Bell Tent at the event.

Ian has said that if he doesn’t beat James in the marathon, he will donate his height in beer to be raffled at the festival in aid of the MS Society.

Ian Knauer is running for Macmillan Cancer Support following the loss of his wife, Sally, to the disease, and for a friend who has recently been diagnosed.