Schools’ Challenge gets Devon’s children running
Primary schools from Exeter and North Devon will be taking part in Exeter’s Great West Run on Sunday 13 October, as part of the Schools’ Challenge.
The Schools’ Challenge encourages children to achieve a half marathon distance over 6 weeks, with the final mile run on the home straight of the Half Marathon course, shortly after the main race begins.
Rebecca Skinner, from St Luke’s School Sports Partnership, said: “The Challenge is a great way to inspire children to be healthy and get active. Having a stage such as the half marathon is a great way to inspire children and their families to set a goal and achieve something to be proud of!”
Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK is the official charity partner for the Schools’ Challenge and will be trying to raise much needed funds in order to grant as many magical wishes as possible to children with life-threatening conditions in the local area.
Andy Holland, Make-A-Wish’s Events and Challenges Manager, said: “It will be wonderful to see so many local children showing their support for Make-A-Wish as they complete their mile run on October 13th; we will all be cheering them on! We hope to grant 1,100 magical wishes this year and it’s fundraisers like these who will really help us to reach our target.”
Exeter’s Great West Run organisers, GO2, says the Schools’ Challenge is an essential part of the race, which inspires not only school children, but entire families to get active and adopt a healthier lifestyle. Marketing Manager Amy Budd said: “Exeter’s Great West Run has already inspired lots of people to start running and the Schools’ Challenge extends that experience to children, hopefully giving them a buzz from running that will last a lifetime, and gets mums, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents involved too.”
The deadline for entries into the Schools Challenge has been extended to Wednesday 24 July.
For more information about the School’s Challenge please contact your school, or visit www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk/schools-challenge
If you are interested in running the half marathon you can book your place at www.thegreatwestrun.co.uk
