The occasional shower didn't stop thousands of people in the York area from running, cycling, swimming and climbing for Sport Relief at the weekend.

Hundreds ran laps round Rawcliffe Country Park on Sunday where City of York Athletic Club organised the York section of the Sainsbury Sports Relief Mile.

Club chair Neil Hunter said: "It's always a pleasure to be involved in such a worthwhile event."

Club community development officer Paula Bird said it was part of the club's community work in which it encourages people of all ages from eight upwards to get involved in athletics and enjoy it.

York Sports Village played host to a cycling event while Yearsley swimming pool and Energise in Acomb both held swimathons.

One boy reached for the sky for Sports Relief. Twelve-year-old Jacob O'Toole, of Copmanthorpe, got out his climbing gear and scaled the ten-metre climbing wall at Energise Sports Centre 81 times without a break and raised about £280.

He has been climbing for more than a year and decided that would be his contribution to the fundraiser.

"We are very proud of him," said his mother Emma after the two hour and two minute climbing marathon. "His arms are aching, but he's all right."

York Press:
Tim Franklin, of New Earswick, who came first in the six-mile event