Relief runners clock up the miles

MORE than 165,000 people across the UK – some on space hoppers and pogo-sticks and others on hands and knees – completed the Sport Relief Mile yesterday.

Conservative Party leader David Cameron was among the first to cross the finish line at an event in London, ahead of Olympic athletes Christine Ohuruogu and Colin Jackson.

Elsewhere in the country, celebrities including singer Beverley Knight, DJ Norman Cook and comedian Patrick Kielty turned out to support the charity event.

A slightly puffed but smiling Conservative leader shook hands with Jackson after he stormed to the finish ahead of the former world hurdles champion.

Other famous faces who took part in the event along the Thames included model Jodie Kidd, rower James Cracknell, comedian Eddie Izzard and paraplegic Iraq veteran Major Phil Packer.

In contrast to events in London, on the tiny island of Canna in the Inner Hebrides a team of four children and six adults raised 252 for the charity.

Neil Baker, who took part with two of his children, said: "It is probably the smallest Sports Relief Mile in Britain, but it's all good fun and for a good cause.

"To raise 252 is pretty good on island with a population of 19."

The events followed a telethon event on Friday night which raised more than 29 million for the charity.