GO Run For Fun, a pupil-led initiative that inspires children to get active through running events, returned to London to host its annual flagship event in Battersea Park.
Over 2,472 children and 45 schools crossed the finish line in the world’s largest children’s running initiative, hosted by GB athlete Jazmin Sawyers and TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya, alongside special guest, Elaine Wyllie MBE, on June 20.
The event was in collaboration with The Daily Mile – an initiative to encourage pupils to get active by running or jogging, at their own pace, for 15 minutes every day in school. Of the 45 participating schools, four are signed up to The Daily Mile initiative.
300,000 children have taken part in GO Run For Fun to date. It has been making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of children worldwide since its launch in 2013. Collectively with The Daily Mile, founded by former headteacher Elaine Wyllie MBE in 2012, the two initiatives have since inspired over two million children to get active.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of INEOS, said: “We know that the positive experiences we have at a young age shape habits for life – which is why it’s so key to help young children enjoy getting active daily. Running is the simplest, most natural exercise you can do. It’s fun and social, and it helps to teach the basics of a healthy lifestyle.”
GO Run For Fun ambassador, Jazmin Sawyers said: “The GO Run For Fun team are so passionate about encouraging kids to get active and honestly it’s contagious, I couldn’t help but love it! All the kids ran 2km in the sunshine and all had a great time doing it. They all inspired me and gave me an enlightening reminder of how fun exercise can be!”
Elaine Wyllie MBE, founder of The Daily Mile, said: “It’s amazing to see so many children making an active step towards improving their health and wellbeing through taking part in The Daily Mile and GO Run For Fun initiatives!”
Alongside attendance from Jazmin and Radzi, children were also treated to a live performance from The Voice Kids UK winner Jess Folley, who also helped participants make their way around the 2km route.
To find out more about the free-to-enter initiative and find how you can get involved in future events, visit https://www.gorunforfun.com/
Or, for more information on The Daily Mile, visit:https://thedailymile.co.uk/