A 10k run from Bradford to Halifax, organised by a local fundraiser with a big heart, marked its third year of success, with a record number of runners.
In 2014, runners raised £2,000, in 2015 it was £7,000 and this year the team have almost topped this considerable target.
Set up two years ago by 32-year-old Khalifa Mughal from Halifax, the run initially raised funds solely for Islamic Relief.
This year, funds will be shared between that cause and the British Red Cross with all proceeds going towards projects which aim to help children around the world.
Khalifa said: “This year, about 45 people took part. Our youngest participants (Sakeeb and Areed) were only six and seven-years-old.
“They completed the whole race. The kids did it last year as well but took a bus half way. I take my hat off to them. To get a medal at that age is a big achievement.
“My granddad, Haji Mahmood, completed the 10k at the pensionable age of 78, which was a considerable feat. He was amazing.”
Other participants included a local vicar from St Paul’s on Queen’s Road and a Sikh man from Birmingham who ran the race barefoot.
“He must have had a pedicure after the race,” Khalifa said, “he was very brave and risked hurting his feet.
“You usually have your trainers on, and it must be strange to run without any protection. He would have definitely felt the pressure on those cobbles.”
Runners with visual impairments also took part in the race, with their friends helping them along the route.
Khalifa said: “We are on our way to raising £7,000 and we still have some collections to come in.”
