The pupils at St. Paul’s Primary School have accepted the ‘Marathon Kids’ challenge set by national charity ‘Kids Run Free’, to run or walk the distance of between one and four marathons, throughout the school year. The programme, which emphasises personal achievement over competition, aims to inspire and empower children of all fitness levels to set and achieve fitness goals. Supported by Nike and the programme’s Ambassador Sir Mo Farah, Marathon Kids is a school-based initiative which is offered for free to all UK schools and provides a measuring framework (Digital Tracking System) that allows schools to track their students’ progress towards their goals.
Marathon Kids Ambassador, Sir Mo Farah said: “I love running, and it’s given me and my family so much. As a dad, I know how important it is for my children to be active, and I’m honoured to have the chance to inspire kids to run with Marathon Kids.”
Launched on 10th January by their ‘Marathon Maker’ Sharon and the school’s sports lead Miss Flatley, every pupil, from reception to year 6 have taken to the playground, to begin their journey to reaching their first marathon. Miss Flatley commented: “The children have demonstrated much enthusiasm for this initiative and our Year 6 Sports Ambassadors have already begun organising their lunchtime running club. It has been incredibly straightforward to introduce and in the first week the children had run a combined distance of 128km. This is just one example of our commitment to raising the fitness levels of our pupils and I’m sure it will have great impact.”
St Paul’s Primary Head teacher Mrs Armstrong-Boyle, said about choosing Marathon Kids: “At St Paul’s, we are committed to supporting each child to be the best they can be and educating children about health and fitness is part of this. By providing this opportunity, Marathon Kids may inspire marathon runners of the future!”
