On your marks, get set, go! (From Swindon Advertiser)

On your marks, get set, go!

8:10pm Friday 19th March 2010 in

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SWINDON went the extra mile yesterday as people of all ages ran, walked, skipped, swam, cycled and even spaced-hopped for Sport Relief.

The national charity fundraiser was launched in 2002 and has raised more than £80 million.

Yesterday Swindon Council staged its own mile-long challenge, The Lunchtime Mile, at the County Ground Athletics Track which attracted a wide variety of people from office workers to keen runners, walking clubs and even a gorilla joined in the fun.

Organiser Cathy Caulfield, said: “Being part of the physical activity sport and leisure department of the council, we felt duty bound to do something.

“We opened it up to walking, running or even skipping for people who work in the town centre to do in the lunchtime.”

The mile is the equivalent of four laps of the athletics’ track and despite the rain, there were people in office clothes, others in full running gear and some sporting bunny ears.

Tom White, 22, who works for Lifestyle at the County Ground, said:” I thought the gorilla head would be fun for Sport Relief but it is really hot to wear. I am running because it is a good cause for charity.“ Members of the Swindon Ladies Walking Group turned up to support the charity. Jennifer Rawlings, 35, from Swindon, said: “We normally walk on a Friday morning and we are keen to support charities.”

Tomorrow the official Sainsbury Sport Relief Mile will include various groups and individuals.

It will be held at Kingsdown School in Stratton St Margaret starting at 11am.