News article
Paxman waves the flag at the 20th Crisis Square Mile Run
2,000 runners who took to the streets of London at the 20th annual Crisis Square Mile Run were waved off from Paternoster Square by University Challenge and Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman.
Over the last two decades the Square Mile Run and Relay has raised more than £2 million for Crisis and this year - the 20th anniversary of the event - was held on 13 & 14 June.
Hosting the event was well know British actor Graham Cole.
Runners took part in the 6km fun run which was sponsored by Rabobank to help raise funds for Crisis' services transforming the lives of homeless and vulnerably housed people across the UK.
Crisis supporter Paxman said: "I was delighted to start the 20th Crisis Square Mile Run, which saw thousands of people racing through the City of London. The money they raise is ever more crucial as all forms of homelessness are on the rise across the capital and indeed the country - perhaps most visibly along this very route."
At 7pm on both days the runners set off taking in iconic landmarks including the London Eye and the Tate Modern. Each runner was asked to raise £200 to help reach a £160,000 fundraising target.
Almost 4,000 people slept rough at some point in the capital during 2010/11, a number which is still rising.