Resolute runners braved some wet, windy weather to cross the finishing line and complete Sport Relief events on Sunday.

Runs were held at Bedford International Athletic Stadium and Cranfield University, where hundreds of participants, including members of Bedford Blues Rugby Club, turned out to jog, walk, hop or skip the mile courses.

The charity fundraisers attracted runners of all ages and, for the accomplished athletes, there were three- and six-mile runs.

Two Times & Citizen reporters completed the three-mile run in some last-minute homemade cowboy and Indian fancy dress, following a costume mishap, and raised almost £200.

Staff at Robinson Pool also donned fancy dress to complete a three-mile, three-legged run around Bedford Park, raising £300.

Youngsters at Grange Special School in Kempston raised £350 when they ran a Sport Relief mile at the school on Friday.

Staff also auctioned off sportswear signed by members of Great Britain's 2008 Beijing Olympic team and expect the fundraising total to reach £500.

The bad weather ruined the Bedford Bandits Roller Derby after rain water penetrated the roof of the Alexander Sports Centre, in Sidney Road, making it too dangerous to skate on.

The all-women team will now run their mile on Sunday, March 30 instead.
Computer technician Martin Songhurst wore full American football kit to raise a fistful of dollars for Sports Relief while working at the IT department at Pell & Bales in Manton Lane, Bedford.