Sidmouth runners encourage all to take part in Sport Relief Mile at the Byes

RUNNERS in Sidmouth are putting their best feet forward to encourage people to take part in Sport Relief later this month.

Sidmouth Running Club has organised a Sport Relief Mile run in the Byes, starting near the Toll House and taking in a one-mile course on the lower part of the Byes, that will be marked and marshalled.

It will take place on Sunday, March 25, as part of the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief weekend of activities nationally on March 24 and 25.

Colin Flood, secretary of Sidmouth Running Club, said: “This is a run, and not a race, so the aim is to get as many people as possible, youngsters and those not normally given to sport to take part and raise a few bob for the charity in the process.”

Limited to 250 entrants, who will receive water, sponsored by a water company, a medal “and lots of encouragement”, entries will be taken on the day, but Colin would prefer people to enter in advance, so they can receive their number and a fund-raising pack beforehand.

Both the club’s website: www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk and www.sportrelief.com have links to the special Sidmouth Mile page and information on how to enter.

Entry is �3 for under 16s and �6 for adults and they will have the option to run, or walk, three or six miles too.

“About 50 have registered online,” said Colin. “Ideally we would like people who have not run before to give it a go.

“Our members will be there running throughout the field to encourage and push if needs be.”

On Friday, March 23, Sidmouth College students will dress as their favourite sports heroes and, at lunchtime, PE teachers will be in goal for students to take part in a teachers’ penalty shoot-out.

This will feature celebrity goalie, Chris Hargreaves, who runs Sports Republic in High Street.

Chris will judge the overall winner of the fancy dress competition. The penalty shoot-out will take place between 1.30pm and 2.30pm.