Hundreds don their trainers for Tamworth Sport Relief Mile

Hundreds of runners, walkers and joggers donned their trainers and got on their marks for the Tamworth Sport Relief Mile held in the Castle Grounds on Sunday March 20.

The Tamworth contingent was made up of more than 200 people of all ages who joined thousands of runners taking part in similar events across the country for the biennial Sport Relief fundraising challenge.

This year’s event saw runners and walkers competing in either a one, three or six mile run – all of which were launched by special guest Tamworth heavyweight boxing star Ryan Hatton and Mayor of Tamworth, Cllr Maureen Gant.

Ryan is a member of Tamworth Boxing Club and recently boxed on a senior bill for England. He said: “I had a great day meeting new people and watching everyone put in such a good effort raising money for a great cause. I was surprised by just how many people turned up even on a cold Sunday morning.

“It was also great to see so many young people getting involved and it looked as though they really enjoyed themselves. I’ll definitely be spreading the word for the next Sport Relief run and am hoping for an even bigger turnout.”

First over the finish line of the six-mile event was 19-year-old Emma Pick from Hockley, while Steve Moran came first in the three-mile run and Heather Mortimer won the main Tamworth Mile.

Fancy dress was encouraged and prizes for the best costumes were awarded to Megan Loxton and Hugh Loxton as Doctor Who and a Dalek. Prizes were donated by the Snowdome, Lifestyle Fitness and Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events team.

Personal trainers from Tamworth’s new Anytime Fitness gym warmed up the crowds ahead of their run while local radio station TCR FM added to the festive atmosphere with live broadcasts and interviews throughout the morning. Tamworth’s Community Café also supported the event.

Organised by Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts and Events and Sports Development teams, the Tamworth Mile aimed to raise awareness of the town’s various sporting clubs and organisations, while raising money for poor communities at home and abroad. It was one of more than 500 similar events taking place across the country as part of the Sport Relief campaign.