THE people of Saffron Walden rose to a sporting challenge by taking part in Sunday s Sport Relief Mile at Lord Butler Leisure Centre – the first ever to be hosted by the community sports facility. More than 200 people turned up at the leisure centre in Pe

THE people of Saffron Walden rose to a sporting challenge by taking part in Sunday's Sport Relief Mile at Lord Butler Leisure Centre - the first ever to be hosted by the community sports facility.

More than 200 people turned up at the leisure centre in Peaslands Road to run the one, three and six mile route to help raise money for Sport Relief.

Business manager at Lord Butler, Phil Wallis, said: "Aided by the beautiful spring day the Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile was a great success and fun day for all. We were delighted with how many people of all ages turned up - from one to 75 years -from the fun runners to the super sprinters who all tested themselves against the clock."

Walden Tri Club's Jack Peasgood, winner in the six mile event, used it as extra training while star of the future, Charlie Smith, an 11-year-old Newport Free Grammar School pupil, was close behind in just under 24 minutes, a very impressive run over a tough course.

Not far behind him was young Harry Dorian, a Year Seven pupil from RA Butler.

Mr Wallis added: "Thanks must go to the Walden Tri club for their assistance in the organisation of a successful event and to the marshals who stayed out on the course for the duration.

"We are thrilled to be part of this great initiative with all the money raised helping to transform lives forever."

Schools take part

CHILDREN at St Thomas More Primary School in Saffron Walden took a break from lessons to run a mile for Sport Relief on Friday.

The youngsters completed laps of their school field and playground and raised plenty of cash for the charity which helps vulnerable people at home and abroad.

Headteacher Mary Jo Hall said: "It was a fantastic day and all the children did really well. Some collected sponsorship money and others just paid a set amount to take part.

"It was a whole school event with the youngest through to the eldest children joining in, and we even had about 50 parents come and have a go as well.

"I would really like to thank the people from Runnerway in Saffron Walden who came in and held a practice session with the children and gave them some good advice about running."

Stansted Airport

STANSTED staff pedalled the distance between the UK's third busiest airport and Heathrow without leaving the terminal building to raise cash for Sport Relief.

The World Duty Free workers took it in turns to cycle for 30 minutes on exercise bikes between 7am and 7pm in the airport's departure lounge. They covered 140 miles - the equivalent distance from Stansted to Heathrow and back.

Speaking at the event was organiser Fiona Shuttlewood from Great Dunmow, who said: "There's been a fantastic atmosphere in Stansted's terminal and the passengers passing through have been so generous."

So far Sport Relief has raised over �30 million, with the figure set to rise daily. For more information on Sport Relief 2010 visit sportrelief.com

Did you take part in Sport Relief? Send your pictures to editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk