MORE than 600 runners did their best to raise some charity cash last Sunday when Cotswold District Council hosted four Sport Relief Mile events at leisure centres around the district.

Venues at Chipping Campden, Bourton, Fairford and Tetbury all played their part in the nationwide charity day by organising courses for the 624 keen charity runners, who all ran one, three or six miles in the wet and windy conditions.

Almost 40 people - both leisure staff and volunteers - turned up to help the four events run smoothly, while each race saw a cross-section of different people, with elderly runners mixing with the young, people running with their dogs and others ferrying push-chairs around the courses.

Some runners from Cheltenham turned up at the Bourton race after weather conditions put paid to their original venue.

Scott Burry, CDC youth sport development, said: "The atmosphere over the weekend and at all of the races was great, and I'm sure we can use this year's event as the basis for something bigger and better next year.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everybody who came along and took part, and especially those who gave up their Sunday to help out with this event. We are incredibly grateful."

Meanwhile, going that extra mile for sports relief took on a whole new meaning for pupils at Chipping Campden School last Friday.

Students took part in a freestyle mile, which gave the chance to complete the course however they chose.

Organiser Sam Green said: "I think the Freestyle Mile is a great idea where students and staff alike can participate in a great fundraising event whilst taking part in a sporting activity.

Students have really got creative, with everything from fireman's lifts to seven-legged races."

Sam had also organised a number of other events for Sport Relief, including a quiz night, which also raised money for the Luke Jeffrey Memorial Fund in memory of the former Campden School pupil and keen swimmer, who died at the Fire Service College pool in 2006.