Runners swirl around the'¨basin to raise charity cash

RUNNERS Above and left, two of the teams who took part in the 1.8-mile Basin Run

MORE THAN 240 runners took part in the annual 1.8-mile Basin Run in HMS Nelson to fundraise for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

After a warm-up, inspired and led by Royal Navy physical training instructors, an air horn started the race and a swarm of Royal Navy personnel, contractors and civilians crossed the start line.

Some runners sported fancy dress costumes, including tooth fairies, scuba divers, Where’s Wally, a vicar and even a rogue Pokemon being chased by a horde of Pokeballs.

The course weaved its way along the outskirts of HMS Nelson and Portsmouth Naval Base against a backdrop of ships including the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon.

The Basin Run is organised to raise funds and awareness for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and give serious and not-so-serious runners the opportunity to show their support for the charity, take in the scenic views from within the naval base and potentially win a sporting award in the process.

This year’s event raised £620.73 and trophy winners included Ashley Scott as the fastest male, Jo Meek as the quickest woman, and the Fleet Diving Squadron as the fastest team.

The best dressed award went to the Serco Team who sported a fleet of home-made ships.

Captain of the base and RNRMC trustee Colonel Mike Tanner RM presented the awards and thanked everyone for ‘taking the time out of their days’ to support the RNRMC cause and praised the Team Portsmouth effort.

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