Colchester Garrison Mile fun run success (From Gazette)

Colchester Garrison Mile fun run success

2:31pm Monday 22nd March 2010 in

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HUNDREDS of people turned out for Colchester’s Sport Relief mile.

The annual Colchester Garrison Mile race was full to capacity with 900 people registering for the event, organisers said it was their best year.

There was plenty of sunshine and smiles on the morning of the race, which brought out many supporters cheering on those taking part.

Mark Collings, 13, was the first of the day over the finish line. The youngster, of Stammers Road, Colchester, said he had found the one-mile race good, fun – and easy.

His mum, Anne, said: “I am very proud of him.”

The race was a family affair for many, including St John’s Primary School teacher Sarah Smith and her husband Simon who ran with their 15-month-old baby Eva in her pram.

The couple’s children Joe, aged seven, and Tilly, six, also ran alongside them.

Mrs Smith, of Broad Oaks Park, Colchester, said: “My husband and I shared the buggy – he did the first half and I did the second half.

“There was no one to look after the baby and so we thought we would just bring her along.

“The pram was only difficult because I kept worrying about running into people. It was really good fun.”

The annual race, which saw participants set off from Abbey Field and finish at the Garrison’s athletic track, is organised by Colchester Council, with the support of the Army.

There were three and six-mile routes on offer as well as the one-mile race.

The day included entertainment from Garrison Radio, free health checks were on offer from the NHS and taster sports sessions and demonstrations.

Justine Naylor, Colchester Council’s sports development officer, said: “As far as I know, it is the first sell-out we have ever had.

“It is fantastic, people have really got into the spirit of it, and we have seen some tremendous efforts from little kids doing the six miles.

“Everyone has been enjoying it and there have been a lot of supporters as well.”

The event will raise cash for Sport Relief to help the lives of poor and vulnerable people in the UK and across the world’s poorest countries.