by Gil Lightfoot

HUNDREDS of people will gather at Chester Racecourse in their running gear on Sunday to raise funds for Sport Relief.

Serious runners and fun runners alike will be stepping out on one, three or six mile sponsored runs for the charity which helps transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people both here in the UK and the world’s poorest countries.

It is the first time that the Sainsbury’s-sponsored challenge has been held in the city. Many hundreds of similar events will be taking place across the country including 16 flagship events in major cities.

Local event organiser, Alexander Jarvis of Chester Racecourse, says that hundreds of people have already signed up to take part.

“Because we have one, three and six-mile courses we are expecting people of all ages, from young children to grandparents, to take part. It is going to be a great, fun day for everyone.

“The three and six mile runs will start together at 9.30am and the one mile run will start at 10.30am.

“We are expecting that some people will turn up in fancy dress and we know that others will be doing it as a three-legged race. There will even be people hoola hooping.

“We are already expecting around 500 to do the mile and 250 each for the three and six mile challenge.”

She added that people can still enter by turning up on the day or preferably in advance via the Sport Relief website where they can download entry and sponsorship forms.

Entry fees are £5 for adults, £2 for children and £12 for family entry which covers two adults and two children, regardless of the distance you plan to run.

Refreshments will be available.

For further information visit the website: www.sportrelief.com