AROUND 300 runners took the starting line of the Bournemouth East Cliff Rotary Club annual Easter Quarter Marathon at the weekend.

The popular event, which started on Saturday morning close to Boscombe Pier, took place along a 6.7 mile seafront route.

Rotary members organise the event, which benefits a number of good causes, and this year there was a truly international feel.

Club president Keith Randall said: "We have had runners from all over the UK and some European countries.

"This year we are going for a bigger share from Australia and New Zealand as well."

The race started at 11am.

A quarter marathon spokesman said: "The event could not be staged without the help and support of our generous sponsors and supporters who we wish to thank.

"Every quarter marathon race entrant receives a medal and each race category male and female in first place will receive a prize, plus the team winners, all generously donated by our race supporters."

Sponsors and supporters this year include Urban Reef, J.P.Morgan, Insight Security Services, Coles Miller Solicitors and Up-Right Scaffolding Services Ltd.