DESPITE clashing with a number of other sporting events in the town this weekend, the Mad March Hare proved it could still attract the crowds.

More than 650 people took part in the 5k and 10k races through Lydiard Park yesterday as the event marked its fifth anniversary.

Since the first in 2008, it has raised more than £42,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and organisers were hoping to break the £50,000 barrier this year.

Mandy Martin, one of the organisers, said: “We are lower on numbers than last year but higher than we expected for this year, considering everything else that is going on with Wembley, Sport Relief and events at the Link Centre, so we are really pleased.

“We don’t know how much we will raise yet but as it is our fifth year we would like to break the £50,000 mark from when we first started. That would be great.”

Breast cancer survivor Annette Milsom, 57, from Eldene, took part in the 5k event wearing an STFC Wembley t-shirt.

She was diagnosed in 2002, just two years after she had beaten cervical cancer.

She said: “It came as a shock when I was diagnosed. I’d already had cervical cancer and everything was fine. I was recovering, I didn’t have a lump.

“It was quite advanced so I had to have a mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but I am absolutely fine now.

“I have been practising really hard in the gym and have raised about £200.

“I was quite disappointed when I found out the Wembley game was going to be the same day, but I am really pleased to be here taking part. I will be off to the pub after to watch the game because I am a fan.”

Coun Keith Williams completed a Sport Relief Mile in Cricklade before turning up to take part in the 10k event in preparation for the Paris Marathon.

“It is a great course which takes in lots of West Swindon, beautiful scenery, and it is a beautiful day. It is such a fantastic cause and everyone appears to be having a great time,” he said.

Swindon mayor Coun Ray Ballman saw the runners and the walkers off on both courses, and also took part in the Zumba warm-up, complete with her chain of office.

“This event is great because it raises a lot of money for a good cause,” she said.