Sport Relief Mile goes with a bang as thousands join race

Published on Monday 17 March 2008 09:35

THE One o'Clock Gun was fired for the first time ever on a Sunday to start thousands of runners in Edinburgh's Sport Relief Mile.

Earlier, an 18-man Royal Navy team from HMS Caledonia pulled a one-and-a-half tonne field gun for a mile from the Castle to the starting line in West Princes Street Gardens.

The run was one of 23 similar events taking place across the UK in aid of the Sport Relief charity.

Runners, who could choose to run one, three or six miles, began warming up at the Ross Bandstand at noon. Competitors in the main event ranged from a 19-month-old toddler to a team of glamorous grannies.

Olympic and Commonwealth medallist Liz McColgan and her son Martin, eight, were among those taking part. She said: "This is a great event to be part of. It's all about encouraging adults and kids to exercise for a good cause. A lot of the money goes to Scottish charities."

In a carnival atmosphere, some runners dressed as fairies, magicians and even Santa Claus, while breakdancers, cheerleaders, police bagpipers and a marching band all provided entertainment.

Kate Conway, one of the organisers, said more than 2000 people had taken part. She said: "We've had quite a lot of people walking up and deciding to take part on the day this year.

"Anyone can do it. It's really inclusive. People can choose to run the distance which is a challenge to them. We've had lots of people taking part in wheelchairs, as well as families with young children."

She said 19-month-old Ailsa Binnie was the youngest to complete the challenge, while fellow toddler Cameron Clarke, two, raised 160.

Estate agents Stewart and Caroline Filshill took part, with their daughters, Rosie, six and Gemma, four.

Mr Filshill said: "We're trying to get the girls to realise how much they've got, and appreciate that not everyone is so fortunate. They got sponsored at school and nursery."

North Berwick High School pupils Mhairi Johnston, 15, and Becky Wallace, 16, both keen swimmers, ran the race dressed in swimsuits with arm bands.

Mhairi said: "We just wanted to do something to help. I think we've raised about 300."

Meanwhile, hundreds of runners tried a longer challenge as they ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon yesterday. They set off from Cramond and went right along the coast, finishing at Musselburgh Racecourse. Many more joined a family fun run at the racecourse.

The two events raised thousands of pounds for the nominated charities, Alzheimer Scotland, the RNLI and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

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