Hundreds tackle Sport Relief mile

10:30am Sunday 16th March 2008

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HUNDREDS of Hampshire runners were today putting their best feet forward for Sport Relief.

Walkers and runners of all abilities were out in their droves for the charity event.

In Southampton, masses of runners were gathering in Hoglands Park to raise cash in the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile.

Joining them in rising to the challenge and getting the day off to a flying start was Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills, actress Dani Harmer and Melanie Slade, girlfriend of former Saints footballer Theo Walcott.

Among the participants were a team of 12 firefighters from Hightown's Red Watch, who will be running the mile in their 11kg breathing apparatus.

Southampton's politicians were also joining in, with a team of Conservative councillors taking part.

Southampton runners were joining thousands of others across the UK raising cash to help vulnerable people living tough lives both in the UK and in the world's poorest countries.

Winchester was also holding a Sport Relief Mile at River Park Leisure Centre in Gordon Road. There will be group warm-ups at 10am and 11am.

THERE are 23 flagship miles across the country, including Southampton's event.

Since its launch in 2002, almost £50m has been raised through Sport Relief. Comic Relief spends the money raised to help vulnerable people living hard lives in the UK and across the world's poorest countries.

Sport Relief is an initiative of Comic Relief, a registered charity.

To make a donation, call 08457 910 910 (local call charges apply).