Medway Mile Celebrates Opening Ceremony for Modern Pentathlon and Olympic Countdown

Thousands of fun and serious runners took part in various races last night, kick starting the one year countdown to the 2012 London Olympics and providing a vibrant backdrop to the opening ceremony for the European Modern Pentathlon Championships at Medway Park.

There were lots of activities on hand, including a climbing wall, arts and crafts, inflatable golf and more, to keep the children occupied whilst registration was ongoing, before the races began with an under 5s dash. Varying age groups then raced a circular tour of the grounds, followed by the adult elite race setting off on their Medway Mile from next to the Catalpa tree. Finally, the big race of the night, as hundreds of people of all abilities lined up to run, jog or walk the mass Medway Mile Race.

When the racing was all finished, fantastic entertainment with a circus theme preceded Tristan Robbie, of GB Modern Pentathlon, interviewing current reigning Olympic champion, Lena Schoneborn and local Kent girl, Georgina Harland, who won the bronze medal in Athens in 2004. Asked how it felt to compete in front of a home crowd, Georgina said:

"There's nothing like it; the best competitions I've ever had were right here in the UK. I grew up in Canterbury and used to swim at the Black Lion, so the support of my home crowd, screaming for me on the last lap is like sprouting another pair of legs!"

The Rochester Pipe Band then led the competing nations' parade of flags around the grounds, before the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Ted Baker, declared the championships open and set off the fireworks finale. Photo galleries of the evening are on their way!

Medway Park plays host to the European Championships from today through till Sunday; tickets are available on the day, so why not get along there and cheer on the Brits looking for London Olympic qualification. Ones to watch out for include Nick Woodbridge, Jamie Cook, Sam Weale and Heather Fell.