Despite rain throughout, the 75th Anniversary of VJ Day Marathon Relay 4 Peace went ahead undaunted in Leighton Linslade with runners and walkers completing in excess of the traditional 26.2 miles.
The event was organised by Leighton Linslade Rotary.
The baton, containing the names of the men from the area who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War Two, started its journey at 11am from the Leighton Buzzard War Memorial after the playing of the Last Post.
It fell to Andrew Selous MP; Town Mayor Dave Bowater; Deputy Mayor, Farzana Kharawala; and Simon Marshall, Rotary President to ensure the safe-keeping of the baton on the first two-and-a-half miles of its journey around the local area.
The task of keeping the marathon going then fell to a wide variety of individuals representing local charities and organisations.
It was left to multi Invictus Games’ medallist and veteran, Daniel Bingley, to bring the baton home, completing the last leg to the War Memorial, ably assisted by veterans Andy Milne and Bob Gair
The baton was received by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Sue Lousada DL, and the Chairman of the British Legion, Mark Freeman.
As the day drew to a close, Mark Freeman read the 76 names from the scroll which had been held inside the baton as it toured the area, this was followed by Arron Lansbury of the Heath Band played the traditional end of day music ‘Sunset’.
As the day drew to a close, Mark Freeman read the 76 names from the scroll which had been held inside the baton as it toured the area, this was followed by Arron Lansbury of the Heath Band played the traditional end of day music ‘Sunset’.
The event raised in excess of £2,500 to support local charities.
Leighton-Linslade Rotary Club President, Simon Marshal himself a veteran, said: “Rotary is all about action in the community.
“As we chart a course through these unprecedented times, it was a real challenge to construct an event to both honour the sacrifice of a special generation and also to highlight again the tremendous depth and variety of community organisations we have in our very special town.
The event raised in excess of £2,500 to support local charities.”
“As events were cancelled all around us I wish to say a personal thank you to Leighton Linslade Town Council, the Bedfordshire Community Policing Team, the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and our local MP for having faith in what we set out to achieve and for their unstinting support.
“A special mention also to all the organisations and charities who came together to form an informal Rotary Community Corps, without whom the event would not have been possible.
“Thanks to the people of Leighton-Linslade who, as ever, have supported us. We hope you are proud that our town has been able to hold such an event in these challenging circumstances.”
