MORE than 500 young runners packed central Southampton as they took part in the ABP Schools Challenge and Family Fun Run.

Pupils from 21 schools in Southampton, Chandler's Ford and Eastleigh set the pace for tomorrow's half marathon and 10k by running a mile around the city centre - with many doubling their efforts by joining in the family fun run straight afterwards.

Hiltingbury Junior School had the most participants, with nearly 30 pupils taking part after young Georgia Lawrence, nine, wrote to her deputy head teacher to suggest a group entry.

She said: "We wanted to get the school to keep fit and healthy, so I wrote to the deputy head asking if we could take part.

"I wanted to get us all to make new friends so I wrote to him about the health benefits and everyone started getting involved."

The schools challenge race was timed and open to children aged eight and above, whilst the fun run was for families.

And the youngest runner had to be Leif Hill, 18 months, who toddled round the course with mum Ali and dad Kevin.

Kevin, a photographer said: "We're both triathletes - I do Iron Man - and Ali is a senior lecturer in sports nutrition. I think it's good to get them started young so they grow up with it.

"It's a fantastic family atmosphere here. Leif only started walking twelve days ago."

Mum Ali said: "We'll get him to walk some of it and then carry him when necessary. I'll do anything to get a good night's sleep if I'm honest."