A SPONSORED race being held in Tavistock next spring looks set to become the town's biggest ever community fundraiser. Organisation of the event, the Bedford Mile, is racing forward in leaps and bounds. New events will be staged and there are hopes of a top class personality appearing. The sponsored run, due to take place in the town on Sunday April 1, is to raise funds for a new eight-lane all-weather athletics track to be built on the grounds of Tavistock College. Organisers forecast it will be the fastest community fundraising event ever to be held in the country — the aim being to raise £100,000. The campaign is a unique collaboration between the community, public and private sector, involving the college, Tavistock Athletic Club and Kelly College. Colin Eves, principal of Tavistock College, said he was 'delighted' with the way planning for the event was going. Mr Eves said: 'The steering group is now very much up and running with representation from the Lions, the food festival, Round Table, Rotary, the chamber of commerce, Tavistock Forward and others. 'The plan is that the run will take place between 2pm and 4pm. 'We are hoping to host musical entertainment in the town hall and The Wharf during the late afternoon — we've got the food festival involved so there'll be a hog roast and several local food suppliers will be there on the day.' Mr Eves said the steering group was keeping their collective fingers crossed that folk rock star Seth Lakeman, a former Tavistock College student, would be performing on the day. 'He has certainly said he wants to be here on the day and it's in his diary. It would be wonderful to see him. There will be a range of other local groups, including a number of students' bands,' said Mr Eves. In addition to the race, the musical entertainment and refreshments, Tavistock Pannier Market staff are throwing their weight behind the big day. There will be a special April Fool's market held — market tolls are being donated to the cause and market reeve Eddie Carruthers and deputy Mike Souttar have generously offered to donate their wages for the day. Mr Eves said: 'It's a real bonus to be able to hold a special market on the day of the race and we are grateful to the council and particularly to the reeve and his deputy for their very generous offers.' Mr Eves said the borough council was helping with parking arrangements, road closures had been agreed with the police. 'It's nice to see so many local organisations getting behind the project — if anyone else wants to make a contribution, like the offer of water from Tavistock Post Office, please get in touch!' said Mr Eves, who is himself running the London Marathon with Kelly College headmaster Mark Steed to raise money for the track. Mr Steed said: 'The Bedford Mile will be a fantastic fundraising event for the Tavistock Athletics Track and will give everyone in the local community an opportunity to take part — running, walking, toddling or supporting. 'In this way everyone will be contributing to the success of what will be an enviable resource for our young athletes. '
