MARATHONS push the human body to the limit and completing the 26 miles is a huge achievement wherever you run it.

However, running in the Lake District has to be a pinnacle of beauty and stamina for runners who are game to test their endurance over the undulating landscape.

On Sunday August 7 2016 the second Hoad Hill Marathon and half marathon will take place, starting at 9.30am from Ford Park in Ulverston.

After meeting with tremendous success during their first-ever event in 2015, the Hoad Hill Marathon already has more than 150 entries for this year's race.

This year, the events two original sponsors - Ulverston Town Council and the North-West Evening Mail - will be joined by new sponsor GlaxoSmithKline. Event director Gaynor Prior said: "We are over the moon to have the support from GSK this year. I know they do a lot to support sports in the Ulverston community and they were very keen to see how they could be involved this year. We were also delighted by the offer of help from the Co-op on Market Street, who have offered to supply drinks and fruit for runners on the day."

The marathon and half marathon will be raising money for St Mary's Hospice and Ford Park Community Group which are both extremely worthy causes. Gaynor explained that the half marathon will always be more popular because participants are not as daunted by the distance and it is the next step up from a 10km run.

She said: "If you're thinking of getting more involved with running, then you really couldn't pick a more beautiful first route. The mix of different terrain is breathtaking and both trails will cover a coastal plane overlooking Morecambe Bay, part of Birkrigg Common and, of course, the Hoad monument hill itself with a great view over Ulverston.

"The longer route will then swing north to cover ground over Lowick High Common and, for children who want to get involved, there will also be a one-mile kids' race around Ford Park for one to 16-year-olds."

The Hoad Hill Marathon aims to bring the community together in that famous Ulverston spirit that so motivates events such as #DickFest and the lantern festival. Groups from all over the town will be getting together to support the runners.

Gaynor said: "We have marshals from the Rotary Club of Ulverston, checkpoints will be manned by members from Ulverston sports teams. Ulverston Wolves running club will be entering a team in the marathon and they will be manning a checkpoint too, they have given us an awful lot of support. There will be other checkpoints manned by Ulverston Triathlon Club and Hoad Hill Harriers too so, as you can see, local teams are really getting behind the race."

The half marathon will be 12.4 miles long and could be the perfect platform for amateur runners to lace up their shoes and spring into action.

If you have been on a summer motivational diet, then the promise of a half marathon or marathon in August could be just the goal to keep you in tip top shape all summer long. Running is still regarded by many to be the most effective form of cardiovascular exercise and is perfect for strengthening and toning muscles, shedding excess fat and improving heart health and stamina.

To enter visit the website www.sientries.co.uk or email info@pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk