Okehampton is all set to be the main venue in West Devon for Sport Relief this year as residents, not just of the town but from across West Devon, are being urged to go the extra mile. On Sunday March 16 tens of thousands of people all over the country will be taking part in the ultimate Sport Relief challenge —running the Sport Relief Mile. There are more than 200 'mile events' taking place across the UK, including one in Okehampton. It takes place between 10am and 5pm at Okehampton College with runners setting off at 11am, noon, 1pm and 2pm. Participants can choose to run one of three distances, either one mile, three miles or six miles along a route that takes in the grounds of the college and Simmons Park. People entering can run, walk, crawl or go by any other way they can imagine — as long as they complete the mile. It costs £5 for adults to enter, £2 for under 16s and £12 for a family of two adults and two children. Participants can raise sponsorship money and will be provided with an online fundraising page to make the process easier. Sport Relief, part of Comic Relief, aims to raise money for underprivileged children in both the UK and abroad. The event in Okehampton has been organised by David Hocking, who has been organising charity events for the past 25 years. He said: 'I saw Sport Relief as a huge opportunity to create a community spirit in Okehampton that will help to raise awareness of all the fantastic charities and sports club we have in the town. 'It's about going that one step further, having fun and helping underprivileged children here and abroad.' As well as the mile itself, the day will be aiming to raise awareness of the important charities, sports clubs and businesses from Okehampton and the surrounding area. There will be representatives from a number of different organisations, both local and national, including the National Trust, FairTrade, Okeford Vets, Rapid Response, the Big Pig and Eastlake Riding Stables. Different activities will be taking place throughout the day such as a primary school 'tag' rugby festival and a fancy dress hockey match. There are also a series of 'have a go' sports sessions planned that will give people the chance to try different sports. These will be coupled with demonstrations from various West Devon sport associations. One of the highlights of the day promises to be the presence of Jonathan Marshall and his Golden Eagle, Samson. Mr Marshall is regarded as one of the UK's top falconers. He will be be running the mile with Samson, who has an 8ft wing span, perched on his arm! To raise even more money for Sport Relief, Mr Marshall will auction off a day with the eagle and perform a falconry demonstration. Okehampton county councillor, Christine Marsh said: 'I am thrilled that this event has come to our town and it will make brilliant use of the facilities we have in the park.' Organisers are trying to keep the event as environmentally friendly as possible and are asking people to bring any unwanted mobile phones, spectacles and footwear along so they can be recycled. Anyone who wishes to run the mile and go that one step further should visit the website http://www.sportrelief.com">www.sportrelief.com or call 0871 2001515. The nearest other miles are taking place in Exeter and Plymouth.
