ALTHOUGH Sport Relief Day has now passed, a local club is pulling out the stops to raise money for the charity by way of not one but three, or possibly four, marathons to be run in Tavistock.
The athletic club is organising a marathon relay to be run around the Meadows on Sunday, September 15.
Organiser Keith Bowles said: 'It is just over a mile around the Meadows, taking in Abbey Bridge and Westbridge, so we had the idea of having 26 runners doing a lap each to complete a marathon.
'We hope to have at least three teams of club runners, all of whom will be asking for sponsorship, so we hope that the inhabitants of Tavistock and district will be generous in our bid to raise at least £1,000.'
The club is still in the process of making all the arrangements, but it is hoped that the day will be a fun day out for all members and their families with a barbecue and rounders, cricket and football games taking place while the marathons are being run.
'We realise that Sundays can be quite busy in the Meadows if the weather is good, but the course will be marshalled, and with only three or four runners out on the course at any one time they should not get in the way,' Keith said.
This is a new venture for the club, but with membership flourishing it felt it is big enough to stage such an event. There are at present six running/jogging groups meeting on Tuesdays and three on Thursdays so there is a suitable group for everyone whether an established runner or a complete novice.
There is, however, a shortage of coaches for the thriving junior section, and a recruitment drive is in progress. Anyone with previous athletic coaching experience who would like to help would be welcome — contact Keith Bowles on 01822 613607.