Poor weather but run is worth the effort

Inclement weather is how the forecasters might describe it but for the people taking part in the Sport Relief Mile in Brandon on Sunday it was just plain nasty.

However, not even the driving rain and cold wind could put a damper on events at the town's leisure centre.

Hot soup and leg messages were on offer as fund-raisers turned out in force and braved the elements for a run around the sports field.

More than 100 people took part, with about 70 opting for the one mile course, and the hardiest runners completing three and even six mile targets.

Centre manager, Neil Groves, said: “It's been a great event. People are coming into the centre after the run and buying hot soup - we had 10 litres donated by Shefs catering who are a local firm - and there are free leg massages for those who need it.

“Lots of people are playing indoor bowls, we've got a bouncy castle and collection buckets are going round for donations. It all helps swell the fund.”

Some fun activities, such as welly wanging, could not go ahead as planned because of the bad weather.

But for some the conditions just were not tough enough.

Four soldiers from Royal Logistics Corps and medics, based at Swanton Morley, ran six miles in their full kit and with a weight in their bergans.

Cpl Matt Cork said: “A group of us wanted to do it but then we realised it wasn't enough of a challenge for us. A six mile run for soldiers is a normal everyday thing.

“So we thought we'd really put ourselves to the test and go in full kit. It's also helped us raise more money.”

There were 23 flagship miles across the country, including Birmingham, Bristol, London and Liverpool.