Telford & Wrekin Primary Schools Half Marathon launches

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    • Schools Half Marathon

    The Telford & Wrekin Primary Schools Half Marathon takes place on Saturday 15th June 2019 and is set to welcome hundreds of children for the grand finale of their cumulative half marathon.

    Primary school children from across Telford and Wrekin will come together to run the final 1.1 miles of their Schools Half Marathon at Oakengates Athletics Track, having run the first 12 miles at school over the course of the spring and summer terms.

    For many, it will be their first experience of a big sporting event and a wonderful chance to run together in front of teachers, guardians, family and friends. Oakengates Athletics Track is a popular facility for local schools and the youngsters will be treated to a full race experience, including race bibs, a marshalled 1.1-mile route, music, commentator and a start and finish line gantry. As they cross the finish line the children will receive a well-earned medal and be able to celebrate the incredible achievement of running their very own half marathon.

    A number of schools have already signed up for the Telford & Wrekin Primary School Half Marathon Challenge, with over 240 children confirmed so far. Participating schools include William Reynolds Primary School, Redhill Primary Academy, John Fletcher of Madeley Primary School, St Lawrence CE Primary School, Wrockwardine Wood Junior School, St Matthew’s CE Primary School, St Patrick’s Catholic Primary and Tibberton CE Primary School. More schools are expected to sign up over the coming weeks.

    Shropshire Primary Schools Half Marathon ChallengeThe first official Schools Half Marathon took place in Shropshire as part of Shrewsbury Half Marathon weekend, in June 2018. The event welcomed 900 children from 21 schools, and proved such a success that Schools Half Marathon has now become a nationwide initiative. Other events confirmed for 2019 include Shropshire (set to welcome over 1,800 children on 6th April), Brighton and Hove (22nd June), Stockport (1st July) and West Sussex (14th July).

    The Schools Half Marathon aims to encourage primary school pupils to get active and work towards an exciting half marathon goal, whilst being rewarded for their achievements. It is a fantastic chance for the youngsters to complete their very own cumulative half marathon in a supportive, non-competitive environment. With a half marathon representing 13.1 miles, the young runners complete the first 12 miles at school over the course of a term or half term, before running the final 1.1 miles on a set day in front of family and friends.

    Schools Half Marathon Race Director Joe Williams commented, “We are thrilled to launch the Telford & Wrekin Primary Schools Half Marathon and to have received such support and enthusiasm for the initiative so far. We are delighted to welcome eight schools already and have received lots of interest from many more. It is fantastic to see local primary school children get started on their very own half marathon challenge and to reward them along the way as they complete their miles. From the very youngest at 4 years old right through to age 11, Schools Half Marathon is a great way to get kids outside and away from screens, taking part in a fun, shared activity with an exciting end goal.”

    The Telford & Wrekin Primary Schools Half Marathon Challenge takes place at Oakengates Athletics Track, home of Telford Athletics Club, on Saturday 15th June at 9am. Friends, family and supporters are welcome to cheer on the young runners.

    Now is the ideal time for schools to sign up, get parents and children on board and prepare for the initial 12 miles to be completed at school. Any school wishing to take part in the Schools Half Marathon can find out more and fill in an Entry Form on the event website: www.schoolshalfmarathon.co.uk/event-directory, or get in touch by emailing info@schoolshalfmarathon.co.uk.

    The cost to each school is £12 per child, which represents effective spending of the PE and Sports Premium.

    Schools Half MarathonGo to www.schoolshalfmarathon.co.uk for further details, like UK Run Events on Facebook and follow @ukrunevents on Twitter and Instagram to keep up to date with all the latest news #SchoolsHalfMarathon.