 Thousands of runners competed in the race |
A major UK marathon was started on Sunday by six firefighters pulling a caravan to raise money for their benevolence fund. The Nottingham Robin Hood Marathon attracted almost 10,000 entrants from around the East Midlands and the UK.
The firefighters from West Bridgford fire station pulled a caravan donated by Lowdham Leisure World Caravan Centre, which caught fire in June.
The owner, Roger Crafts, says the firefighters saved his business.
Charity cash
"It would have been infinitely worse if the firefighters had not come along and done a superb job and contained the fire - they really saved our bacon," he said.
Race organisers said more than �200,000 was raised for charity during the 2002 race - but they hope to raise more than that amount this year.
The marathon, now in its 23rd year, is run through the city centre, passing Nottingham Castle and Wollaton Park.
The race was voted the second best runners' marathon in the UK after the London Marathon by Runners World magazine.
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