Hundreds of people went the extra mile for Sport Relief, raising thousands of pounds to help people in need at home and all over the world.

Dozens of fund-raising sports and fitness events were held across Leicestershire throughout the weekend.

One of the biggest was at Leicester Racecourse in Oadby yesterday where 700 people walked or ran at least a mile for the appeal.

Participants including children as young as six – and 89-year-old Grace Kirkman from Evington – all completed the challenge.

Some 40 volunteers helped to stage the fun day.

Event manager Avril Lennox, from Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, said: "We had over 700 people taking part, great support from Oadby Racecourse and volunteers, and the weather was good.

"We couldn't really ask for more. It has been fantastic."

Hundreds of entrants paid £5 each to take part in one-mile, three-mile and six-mile treks at Sport Relief days were held at schools, shopping centres and parks. Venues included King Edward VII School in Melton, Hinckley United Football Club, Braunstone Grove, the Market Harborough Sainsbury's, Sence Valley Forest Park in Ibstock, Loughborough University, East Leake Leisure Centre, and Spinney Hill Park in Highfields.

On Saturday, youth academy players at Leicestershire County Cricket Club organised a run at the Grace Road ground which raised more than £500.

Some 200 people, including first team players, took part by running three laps of the pitch as they were cheered on by friends and family members. There was also a raffle.

Senior team head coach, Tim Boon, said: "The whole event has been organised by the youngsters from the academy and they've done a great job."

Academy player Sam Nightingale, 12, said: "The main thing was that we raised money for a good cause."

County batsman James Taylor said: "It's a great cause helping people in struggling places like Africa."

More than 40 supporters of Choices for Life, a day service for adults with learning and physical disabilities in Coalville, walked the Cloud Trail in the National Forest on Friday.

The group, which included family members and staff, raised £250 in sponsorship and donations from a collection.

At Victoria Tennis Club in Stoneygate, members aged five to 73 raised money as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations by playing 100 sets in one day. They started at 8.30am and the last point was finally won at about 9.30pm.

Karen Doyle, centenary co-ordinator, said: "As a club, we're 100 years old this year and, to celebrate, we're holding an event a month – it just so happens that Sport Relief was this month."

Sport Relief is the sporting arm of Comic Relief, providing a chance for the active to help needy families in Britain and around the world.

This weekend's national appeal raised more than £29m.

Some 60 workers at the Office Depot call centre in Beaumont Leys helped to man the Sport Relief hotline on Friday night, bringing in a total of £29,233.75 in donations.

Volunteer Sarah Wilson said: "It has been worth every minute."