Southend's pier is set to host to the world’s first marathon over the sea.

Brave runners will run lap after lap of Southend’s pier as they complete the 26.2 mile challenge.

Organised by Sussex Trail Events, the event has been booked for March 11 next year, but runners can sign up already.

With the pier measuring 1.34 miles, runners will have to complete just under 20 laps to finish the race in what promises to be an exciting and unique challenge for competitiors.

Charity Havens Hospice has been attempting to organise an annual marathon event in Southend for a number of years to no avail, and have now pulled the plug on any future plans, stating their focus will be the Chelmsford Marathon in partnership with the J’s Hospice as a charity fundraiser.

Sussex Trail Events has become well known for their quirky races, hosting the first multi-storey marathon in the UK last year.

And it is continuing that trend with this unique event, which is believed to be the first marathon fully run over the sea.

Organisers also pointed to the pier’s history as a “true survivor” making it the perfect setting for the 26.2 mile challenge.

A spokesman said: “Southend Pier is the town’s historical icon as well as being the longest pleasure pier in the world.

It stretches for 1.34 miles, putting Southend on the map as well as into the record books.

“Since it was built in 1830 the pier has seen both good and troubled times. With its many changes, it has evolved to meet the trends of the passing decades of the 20th and 21st centuries.

“It is a true survivor, having come through fires, boat crashes, two world wars and economic decline as well as braving the elements of Mother Nature in beating off the effects of the weather and the waves.

“Just like the Multi-storey Marathon being the first in the Uk if not the world we believe this is a world first as well, a full marathon over the sea on the longest pier in the world.”

Due to the nature of the event, entry is limited to 100 runners.

All finishers will receive a medal, although the organisers have reminded entrants that the event is “at the mercy of the British weather” meaning a very blustery day on the pier could potentially prevent it going ahead.

Visit www.sientries.co.uk.