THE time has come to don the trainers, improve your fitness, and raise some money for the Sports Relief Okehampton Mile.

Okehampton College and Simmons Park will again be hosting the Okehampton Mile as part of the national Sainsbury's Sport Relief Mile event, and people are invited to start registering now.

The Okehampton Mile in 2008 was deemed a success with 650 runners raising £16,000 for the charity.

Event organiser David Hocking said it was an amazing amount: 'We want to build on that success and make it even bigger this time. This year we are hoping to attract even more runners.

'Even if you're not entering the mile to run, you can walk it or just come along as there's going to be lots to see.'

As well as the main running event, there will be a number of other activities taking place in the school grounds, including taster sessions from local sports clubs and charities, a 30ft climbing wall, courtesy of the Okehampton branch of the Devon Army Cadets who will be marshalling the event, and a display from Jonathan Marshall, of Experience Falconry, who last time ran the mile with Samson the golden eagle on his arm.

Okehampton County Councillor Christine Marsh ran the mile in 2008 and will do so again this year.

She said: 'I will be doing it this year but I might be hobbling the last bit. It was very successful last time and I think it will be as successful this year. I think people realised how good it was last time and will come again and bring more people with them — it's going to be a great day.'

David, who has this year enlisted the help of Okehampton Lions Club, is encouraging runners and walkers to dress up: 'We want as many people as possible to turn up, preferably in fancy dress. I've got judges lined up and there will be a prize.

'It is a very friendly event. It is safe, it is off-road and level, so suitable for everyone.'

The Okehampton Mile will take place on Sunday March 21 and registration for the event started today (Thursday).

Runners can choose from a number of start times throughout the day, with the first wave starting at 11am, the second at noon, followed by a two-hour break, then at 2pm, and the last wave setting off at 3pm. Refreshments will be available all day, and Emma Jeffries from South Zeal will again lead the warm-ups.

David expressed thanks to everyone who has supported the event: 'I am very fortunate to have lots of volunteers supporting me. I appreciate their help and giving their time for free.

'I was overwhelmed with the money raised in 2008, let's hope we can equal that or even better it.

'Whichever way, it will be a great fun day for a very worthwhile cause. I look forward to meeting everyone.'

The money raised by Sport Relief is used to help transform the lives of under-privilidged people in the UK and across the World's poorest countries.

To register for the Okehampton Mile visit the Sport Relief website at http://www.sportrelief.com">www.sportrelief.com