MORE than 700 students and staff laced up their running shoes in Leigh for their school's annual Race for Life event.
The Bedford High School fun run, which is in aid of Cancer Research UK, involved six laps of the school field - the equivalent of just over three miles.
Flagged off by Leigh Centurions player and former Bedford student Mickey Higham, the runners had a series of obstacles to face.
They were pelted with water bombs, coloured powder and squirted with water pistols on their way around the course.
Students get into their stride
Reggie Boult and Elisha Pilkington
Young competitors running at full speed
Emilia Pytel injects colour into the race
As well as raising money for Cancer Research, this year’s race was also held in honour of former Bedford student Tyler Ryan Yates.
Tyler died at the age of 14 in 2017 after suffering with brain tumours and has been regularly remembered by the Manchester Road school since.
Year 9 student Chloe Gilligan, who completed the three-mile trek said: “It’s brilliant that everyone is here today to remember and support Tyler.
"The run was great fun and it’s just so good that our school gives us the chance to get together like this and show everyone how much we all care.”
A pupil left with a bright face
Cameron Mullowney Reynolds, Lewis Day and Chloe Gilligan
Pupils keep their focus during the course of the six lap run
The annual event is organised by teachers Bridget Moss, Rebecca Ramsden, Gemma Bailey-Dobson and Lauren Pickup.
Head teacher Helen Phillips, said: “The Race for Life has rapidly become one of the highlights of our school year.
"All the students look forward to it and everyone tried really hard to get around the course in the quickest time they could.
“It’s a perfect chance for us to celebrate the wonderful giving nature of our students.
"We always expect them to give their best to support a cause that is close to their hearts and they have never let us down.”
The event was supported by Tesco supermarket in Leigh.
The store’s community champion Louise Carpenter supplied drinks and fruit to the thirsty race finishers.
“This is a great event and one we are proud to support,” said Louise.
“The school has an amazing community spirit and it’s wonderful to see all the students getting together to support such a worthy cause.”
The school’s caterer, Aspens, supplied ice cream and lollies to rehydrate the runners too.
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