In what has proven an innovative and affordable programme that has already been lauded by the 40 schools currently partaking in the sustainable sporting project, 60 further UK primary schools now have the opportunity to join the latest phase of Kids’ Marathon for the 2016-2017 academic year.

Creating enjoyable running opportunities for one to 16-year-olds, Kids Run Free’s mission is to ignite passion for sport and physical activity on a more frequent basis for youngsters, allowing them to become healthier, happier and more confident children. 

Whilst youngsters are challenged to run a marathon, children can in fact run as much or as little as they wish. The core objective of Kids’ Marathon is to simply motivate the younger generation to be more active whatever the distance. Efforts and achievements are then rewarded with certificates and those children that complete the marathon distance also receive a Kid’s Marathon medal.

Designed specifically with UK schools in mind, Kids’ Marathon has already reached 9000 children across 40 schools, boasting an outstanding 97 per cent participation rate since the programme’s inception in 2013.

Having secured crucial funding to offer the highly productive initiative to 60 additional schools, Kids Run Free’s sterling efforts can now be enhanced, continuing to aid the UK’s continuous quest to tackle the increasing issue of physical inactivity facing schools and families.

London Marathon Events Ltd, organisers of the Virgin Money London Marathon, will financially support the eagerly-awaited second phase of Kids’ Marathon, assisting the charity in launching the initiative in 30 London-based primary school. With the real cost of the Kids’ Marathon project at £3.70 per child, Kids Run Free’s funding boost has meant that the programme is now available to schools for just £1.00 per child.

Not only working wonders with children’s physical health, Kids’ Marathon has also subsequently resulted in benefits in the classroom, improving concentration levels of children and aiding imperative skills such as leadership, maths and computer programming. 

Appealingly, the Kids’ Marathon concept also fits the ethos of Ofsted's 2013 report ‘Beyond 2012: Outstanding physical education for all.’ Participating in Kids’ Marathon can additionally contribute to Ofsted requirements on the effective use of PE and sport funding.

Assured that they will receive a fully sustainable package implemented by the charity, many schools are keen to get involved thanks to the thorough infrastructure in place and continuous support throughout the year, from equipment and set-up of the course, to launching an event where both teachers and children are trained in all aspects of the programme.

Championing the project, Roberto Flint, of Hillstone Primary School, Birmingham applauded the scheme. “Children have exercised a lot more since the marathon has started,” he says. “Some children, who don’t usually like to take part in different sports, and who don’t usually enjoy PE, have really taken to the Kids’ Marathon and since it has started it has become one of their main ways of exercise.” 

Coventry’s Provost Williams Primary School will be running the programme for a third successive year, as Head Teacher Jason Henderson adds: “It's easy to organise and run, and it’s great to see the children's enjoyment and the sense of achievement the children have at the end of the year.” 

To explore more on the programme or to apply, visit here

Source: Virgin Money London Marathon