Children take on the Tozers Great West Mini Marathon for charity

The Tozers Great West Mini Marathon took place on Wednesday 7^th May at 1:30pm from Exeter Arena.  Over 70 children took part in the 3km cross country run - some as budding club runners and others in colourful fancy dress!

The 3km run, organised by Iron Bridge Runner Events, was sponsored for the first time by leading south west law firm Tozers LLP.  Graham Bond, chairman of Tozers, who started the race said: "It was very encouraging to see the enthusiasm not only of the youngsters who took part in the event, but their families and PE teachers who were there to support.  The youngsters didn't need to be experienced runners to participate in the event, although some were, but what they all had was the energy and commitment to finish the course, on what was a very warm and sunny day.  It was a very well organised event and well done to everyone who took part."

The event not only promotes sport to local Schools but encourages children to take part in a personal achievement, enter on behalf of their School and to help raise funds for a local charity.  The aim of the race is to raise £2000 for DIRECT, which supports local Diabetes Research at the Peninsula Medical School.  Pupils will be turning to family and friends to support the run that they took part in.

Peter Edwards, managing partner of Tozers says "Diabetes is affecting youngsters at an earlier age, and this is in major part due to the sedentary nature of the modern Western lifestyle. If we can encourage young people to take regular exercise and think about what they eat and drink, then we can reduce the number of incidents of diabetes in the young. This is why we were delighted to be supporting the Tozers DIRECT Mini Marathon."

Urban Surfer very kindly supporting the race for the third year running and will not only be giving all the age group prizes but have offered a 10% discount to be used in store or online to all entrants in their finishing goody bag.

Age group winner were:

For a full report on the results please go to www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk

If you are interested in supporting local diabetes research please contact DIRECT on 01392 403039 or via the website www.pmsfoundation.org.uk/DIRECT

DIRECT raises funds for diabetes research at the Peninsula Medical School and is part of the Peninsula Medical School Foundation (which raises money to support research at the Peninsula Medical School and to fund bursaries for students).

Diabetes research at the Peninsula Medical School is internationally recognised, and has achieved a number of breakthroughs including discovering genetic influences which mean some diabetes sufferers can now control the disease with tablets rather than injections, and the discovery of the so-called ‘fat gene'.

Tozers LLP is a leading law firm with offices in Exeter, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Plymouth.  With 21 partners and over 100 staff they offer a quality service to businesses, families and individuals both locally and nationally.