THE Mayor of Bournemouth has backed calls for organisers of the town's marathon to go the full distance next year.

Cllr Susan Phillips, who presented medals to the winning runners after this year's marathon, has joined the growing ranks of people calling for marathon organisers to reverse their decision to bin the 26.2 mile run in 2020.

Just one day after this year's main event, organisers of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival announced they were changing the name of the event to 'Run Bournemouth' and that the flagship marathon would not be taking place.

In a statement released online they said next year's event would include a host of faster events, including kids' races, a 'dog-jog' and the 10km run.

A half marathon will take place on the second day, but no full marathon.

Cllr Phillips said: "I was so happy to be able to present the winners of the Bournemouth Marathon with their medals, especially as the winner came in with his personal best.

"Bournemouth in my opinion should preserve this event especially for health and wellbeing for so many thousands of people and the large sums of money raised for charity because of the event, which was well organised and enjoyed by family and so many supporters."

Around 4,000 runners took part in the full Bournemouth Marathon this year.

Cllr Philips told the Daily Echo: "It was an exceptionally well-organised event, I have no criticism whatsoever.

"The amount of money that was raised, and the fact health and wellbeing is being promoted by the festival is great.

"But the half marathon and full marathon cater for different people, they are two different events, I wouldn't like to see either one stopped.

"I didn't hear one word of criticism come out of anyone's mouth for the whole of that day."

Meanwhile, officials at BCP Council have insisted they had nothing to do with the decision to cancel the full marathon.

Jon Weaver, head of resort marketing and events at BCP Council, said: "We've really enjoyed working with the event organisers and look forward to continuing that relationship next year."

In the original post, the organisers said fitting in a 26.2 mile route was "challenging" without moving away from the seafront onto residential streets.

They also said: "Sadly, after seven years, we will be saying goodbye to the marathon distance."