THE weather could not have been any better for the 100 students who gathered on the Colfox School playing fields to compete in the 2015 Save the Children World Marathon.

This year, there were four teams completing the challenge and, at 9.30am, Chris Dobbs of Save the Children got each member of the teams on their way.

James Noonan led off for the sixth form, Frankie Chant for the Year 7-9 boys, Bronwyn Wright for the Year 7-9 girls and Dane James for the Year 10-11 mixed team.

At the halfway point, the sixth form and Year 10-11 team were neck-and-neck and the younger boys and girls’ teams were separated by just one lap.

After more than two hours of running, the mixed Year 10-11 team crossed the line in 2hours 3mins 58secs, closely followed by the sixth form team in 2.06.00.

Unbelievably, after 105 laps, the younger boys and girls changed batons for the final time at the same time and the boys ended up beating the girls by just five seconds.

A spokesman for the school said: “It was a fantastic day, made even better when we were told that we had raised more than £1,400 for Save the Children.

“This is the third time the school has completed the 26.21 miles and it is a great opportunity to do two things we are very good at – running and raising money.

“The Sir John Colfox Academy would like to thank the volunteers from Save the Children for supporting the event and our incredible students for going that extra mile (or 26!) to make a difference.”

Mr Dobbs, chairman of the Bridport & Beaminster branch of Save The Children added: “I am thrilled and delighted that the Sir John Colfox School students who ran in the relay marathon have raised a grand total for Save the Children.

“This is an exceptional achievement for young people from all year groups in the school, including the sixth form.

“On behalf of the Bridport & Beaminster branch of Save the Children, I would like to thank all who took part, particularly Andy David, who provides such an outstanding lead.

“His inspired enthusiasm and expertise is so much appreciated, and it’s a pleasure to witness the positive response of all ages. The headteacher of Sir John Colfox School, Kay Taylor, is to be congratulated and thanked for encouraging active support.

“Parents, family, and friends, you have wonderful children – thank you.”