Hundreds put their Best Foot Forward for Wolverhampton good causes
Hundreds of runners took to a track in Wolverhampton to help raise money for charity.
People of all ages and abilities joined the 12-hour Best Foot Forward event at WV Active Aldersley in the city.
It saw £1 released from a cashpot put together by businesses every time a lap of the track was completed.
The money will benefit Wolverhampton MS Therapy Centre, Wolverhampton Coronory Aftercare Support Group and the Rotary Charitable Trust.
People got into the spirit by dressing up in vibrant outfits and costumes, including a marathon runner dressed as Peppa Pig, for the event organised by the Rotary Club of Wolverhampton.
And troops from RAF Cosford also turned out to do several laps.
Richard Horrell, president of the rotary club, said: "We get, throughout the day, about 400 runners and walkers – because you don't have to run.
"We have people of all abilities, shapes and sizes to dog walkers walking around.
"They can exercise in a safe environment and go around the track.
"We've had people raising money for our own charities, but people will use it to raise money for their own charities as well – and we even get sponsor forms for them.
"People enjoy the event and even the serious runners enjoy it as well.
"We've got the great and good from companies in Wolverhampton and it gives us a great deal of pleasure that we've been able to do it – and whilst people enjoy themselves we're raising money for great causes."
The 72-year-old also managed to do a few laps himself on the day – to boost the number needed to release the £12,123.25 total.
The charity kitty was made up of a minimum of £250 donations from almost 40 patron organisations, including the Express & Star, Marston’s and Wolverhampton Council among others.
Charity marathon runner Stuart Bailey dressed up as Peppa Pig for the occasion.
The 46-year-old, from Billbrook, said: "This charity is local and a great community event.
"Everybody gets together and it's lovely to give something back to the community.
"I've done probably 10 different costumes over the years – I've done Morticia from the Addam's Family, the Jolly Green Giant and Peppa has gone for about two years now.
"It's just because I run up and down the country and you stand out more and it helps raise the profile for the charities.
"Everybody just comes together, from the professional runners to people walking dogs.
"They come for a natter and a catch-up and there's good support."
Former Wolves player and rotary club president Mel Eves also did his bit.
He said: "It's close to my heart.
"The first event was in 2013, about two days after my reign ended.
"All of the planning was done in my year, so it's great to be at the start of it and I've been here ever since.
"I've run to support the local rotary charities and Sports Parents Association, which I founded two years ago with Keith Trubshaw.
We get support from people who sponsor the event but the public have to do the laps to realise it,
"It's grown and grown and we're getting more and more support.
"It's a fantastic event."
And the Mayor of Wolverhampton, councillor Claire Darke, did her bit as well.
She said: "I think it's a great event that people can walk along together and not have to run around – people can to it together.
"It's a really nice family event, an inclusive event.
"And keeping fit doesn't need to cost you anything."
