MORE than 200 runners have helped raise thousands of pounds for local wildlife charities after racing around South West Water’s Roadford Reservoir.

South West Lakes Trust and South West Water welcomed runners of all ages and abilities to compete in the first ever Reservoir Run hosted by the pair earlier this summer.

With a variety of categories from junior, open and veteran and distances ranging from 2.5 kilometres, all the way to 10 kilometres, the event offered some friendly competition for locals of all ages and backgrounds.

Thanks to the event, £2,000 was raised for Devon Wildlife Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust, important local charities who work hard to safeguard the counties’ unique natural environments and wildlife.

Commenting on the event’s success, Adele Barker, chief people officer at South West Water, said: “What we do matters, and just as water is essential to life - so is the support we provide to local communities and in protecting and enhancing our natural environment. This event shows we care, as do the hundreds of people who took part in South West Water's first ever ‘Reservoir Run’.”

At the finishing line, participants were rewarded with a sustainable wooden medal and a goodie bag, as well as fresh strawberries and a chocolate brownie provided by Strawberry Fields Farm.

Located between Okehampton and Launceston, as well as supplying fresh drinking water to the local area, Roadford is a local nature reserve and a popular leisure spot for groups like sailors, windsurfers and anglers to enjoy.

Matt Lennox, head of activities at South West Lakes Trust, added: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the Reservoir Run at Roadford Lake. We’re no stranger to hosting big, organised events but this one in particular was so friendly and fun. The lake is such a beautiful place and really lends itself to running, cycling and walking. We’re looking forward to welcoming participants back in the future!”

Following the success of the inaugural event, organisers at South West Water is planning to host more Reservoir Runs in the future.