Schools across Scotland sign up for healthy run
MORE than 113,000 pupils from over 450 schools across Scotland – including many in Sutherland – have signed up to take part in the UK’s biggest fun run.
This week, the Tesco Great School Run, which is being backed by model and TV presenter Nell McAndrew and Olympic medallist and three-time world record holder Colin Jackson, signed up its millionth runner.
Event organisers have also just announced that a host of sports stars have backed the event, now in its seventh year, which encourages children and their parents to get fit and healthy through exercise and healthy eating.
Since registration began last month, one million youngsters from more than 4400 schools across the UK have signed up to take part in the two-kilometre (1.2miles) run.
Participating schools must arrange for their own individual fun runs to take place anytime between May 9 and July 22.
Nell explains: “The Tesco Great School Run is a fantastic opportunity to get children excited about getting fit and healthy, which as a mum and keen runner is something I’m passionate about.
“Although we’ve already reached the one million children target we set ourselves at the beginning, it’s not too late for schools across Scotland to get involved, so I’m calling on teachers to sign up their schools straight away. Any parents and children who want to participate, talk to your teacher and ask them to check out the Tesco Great School Run website.”
Colin Jackson CBE says: “It’s not about setting personal bests or world records – it’s about people of all abilities and ages keeping fit and healthy and above all, having fun. In fact, we call it a run but people are welcome to jog it, walk it or wheel it. We don’t mind how you do it, just as long as you do it.
“Importantly, it’s not just children we want to pull on their trainers, we really want parents to get involved and take part in the run alongside their kids.”
Registration is open to schools only and teachers are encouraged to sign up online at www.greatschoolrun.org before the closing date of midnight on May 20.