Sport Relief fever hits Derbyshire
Thousands of runners have been taking part in Sport Relief Mile events across Derbyshire – and it’s not over yet.
On Sunday races covering one, three and six miles were staged at several venues in the county, and on Wednesday around 800 Derbyshire school pupils will take part in a special Sport Relief event at Wilsthorpe Business and Enterprise College in Long Eaton.
In High Peak, Sport Relief Miles at the Pavillion Gardens in Buxton and Manor Park in Glossop were a huge success despite the cold and windy weather.
More than 250 runners took part in Buxton, with a further 200 in Glossop, after races were started by Mayor Wharmby and Town Crier Bill Weston.
Meanwhile in South Derbyshire more than 200 people ran the course at Swadlincote Woodlands, as the event was assisted by ten sports leaders volunteers.
And in Chesterfield 520 entrants ran one, three or six miles through the town's Queen's Park.
Serious athletes mingled with fun runners in Queen's Park, where one entrant went round the track in a child's scooter, some wore fancy dress and one even walked the course backwards.
Sunday also saw events held at Sharley Park Leisure Centre in Clay Cross and Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston, as well as The Pavilion in Hilton where more than 300 runners joined the Sport Relief Mile organised by Hilton Harriers Football Club.
On Wednesday (March 19) around 800 Derbyshire school pupils will also take part in a special Sport Relief event at Wilsthorpe Business and EnterpriseCollege in Long Eaton.
Year Five and Year Six pupils from local primary schools will compete in a one-mile cross-country race, and around 400 Wilsthorpe College students will also join a separate one-mile Fun Run on the same day, all in support of the national Sport Relief initiative, which raises money to help vulnerable people in the UK and across the world's poorest countries.
The event will encourage pupils to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and keep fit, as well as joining together with their friends to have fun and raise money for a good cause.
The event is being organised by Wilsthorpe College PE teachers Stacie Carnell and Steve Mellors, with support from Derby-based charity Sporting Futures, which uses sport to reach out to young people and help them gain life skills and communicate better with those around them.
Stacie Carnell said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the whole community to get together and support the Sport Relief charity, whilst at the same time keeping healthy and active.”
Joining the primary school race will be pupils from Brackenfield School, Grange Primary School, Firfield Primary School, Highfield Primary School, Harrington Junior School, Parklands School and English Martyrs RC Primary School.
Pictured above are runners warming up for the Sport Relief Mile in Swadlincote.