The Medway Mile sprinted past its magic number last night as more than 2,012 people took part.

A record show of runners, walkers and spectators turned out to the mile-long run from Rochester Castle Gardens.

The Mile, supported by the Medway Messenger, was held exactly a year before the London 2012 opening ceremony.

Among those pounding the course was an Olympic athlete from 47 years ago.
Paul Nihill, from Chatham, won silver in race walking at the 1964 games.

He said: "The little kids go at a hundred miles an hour! I couldn't go that fast when I was younger."

Medway Messenger Bob Bounds finished in 6:15, but could not touch Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti, who clocked 5:22.

Meanwhile, Princess Anne was due to open the Modern Pentathlon European Championships in Medway Park, Gillingham, this morning.

For more pictures, don't miss tomorrow's Medway Messenger.