There were plenty of inspirational stories from this year’s Medway Mile, as people showed true Olympic spirit.

Around 3,000 people took part in what began as a countdown to the 2012 London Games. The youngest, who was just a few months old, was carried around the course.

At the other end of the age scale, veteran Olympian Paul Nihill, 76, who described the race as his Everest, completed it in 20 minutes and 40 seconds.

The retired race walker, who represented Britain in four successive Games, is still recovering after spending two months in hospital battling an infection which affected his balance and caused him to suffer from delirium and anxiety.

His daughter Clare Denness signed him up to help get him back on his feet and he had been out walking every other day in preparation.

Mrs Denness, 49, said: “He did really well. He was really nervous on the day but he was really proud of himself that he achieved it.”

Mr Nihill, who lives in Rochester, walked the course with his daughter and grandson, Lee.

Also taking part were courageous young girls Alice Gilham, 11, and Rebecca Kelliher, eight, who both have diabetes and are at risk of suffering from life-threatening hypoglycaemic attacks.

The pair, who walked around hand in hand, raised £122 for the Midkent type 1 diabetes support group.

Susan Beeston, 70, were also among those who walked around the course through Rochester, despite have a knee replacement operation in November. She was joined by her husband Alan, 71.

Their granddaughter Hayley Stewart, 29, said: “This was a way of encouraging Susan her to get out and get active, especially in the nice weather.”

Another inspirational pair were seen by Medway sport officer Mark Roughsedge, who shared a photo online of two ladies with walking sticks, one of whom who was recently on life support.

He said: “Moments like this are special and remind me of how lucky I am to work in sport full time. It’s hard work at times but it’s so worth it.”

Joining the crowds of runners was Richard Hicks, the council’s director of culture.

He said: “It was great to see so many people come together to not only take part in this year’s Medway Mile, but to support those walking and jogging around historic Rochester.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere with this year’s event celebrating the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio. Hundreds of people enjoyed the carnival theme and had a go at some of the free sports on offer before the day ended with a spectacular fireworks display.”

For more pictures from the mile, pick up a copy of today's Medway Messenger.