AROUND 400 people turned out to do their bit for a good cause at the Sport Relief Mile.

A total of 290 fundraisers signed up to the Newport mile in advance and yesterday’s sunshine brought out a further 100 extra participants.

Among those taking on the challenge at Newport Stadium were Katrina Patton, 28, and Sean Popczynski, 33, from Chepstow, who took part in the six-mile event dressed as the Super Mario Bros. Miss Patton said: “We’ve done a bit of training.

This is the first time we’ve done the event.”

Also taking part were 18 members of the congregation of St Paul’s Church, Newport, who had come out of church to do their bit.

Gerri Haywood celebrated her 17th birthday by completing the three-mile run with Tammie Williams, 24, dressed as the 118 twins and Lesley Parratt, 52, who braved the heat in a Scooby Doo costume.

Newport mayor Cllr Margaret Cornelious started the event, with runners, including Newport council leader Cllr Matthew Evans completing a one, three or six mile route.

Organiser Kerry Griffiths, who is Newport’s Active Communities Unit manager, said: “The weather has really helped bring people out and we’ve done a lot more marketing this year as well. It’s very much been a partnership this year with a lot of volunteers involved.”

Runners crossing the finish line were rewarded with a goodie bag including a medal.

Events took place across the area with runners doing their bit in Cwmbran, Abertillery, Risca, Nantyglo, Ebbw Vale and Tredegar.