Pupils take part in Tesco Great School Run - News - Norwich School Sport Partnership

Pupils take part in Tesco Great School Run

Article by Kate Scotter, taken from EDP and Evening News (Thursday 24th May 2012).

The sun shone brightly thousands of youngsters ran, jogged and walked their way around one of Norwich’s most historic parks.

More than 1,000 children took part in today’s (Thursday) Tesco Great School Run at Eaton Park.

Held for the second time in Norwich, the event is the UK’s biggest mass participation event for primary school aged children.

Ahead of the run, the youngsters joined in a warm up routine. They were then cheered on by Commonwealth Games marathon champion John Kelai as they made their way round the 2km course.

Jon Osborne, from the Norwich School Sport Partnership, which hosted the event locally, said: “The children had a great time, they were really buzzing, and the weather was a huge benefit.

“Eaton Park is incredible on its own and the number of kids there was really good. It’s the biggest event we’ve ever done.”

Youngsters took part in the event in two waves, with the first 600 setting off at 9.45am and a further 500 starting at 11.15am.

Schools which took part were Eaton Primary, Avenue Junior, Cavell Primary, Bluebell Primary, Colman Infant and Junior, Bignold Primary, West Earlham Junior and Cringleford Primary.

Theresa Easter, PE teacher at Cringleford, said: “The children really loved it. It’s the second time we’ve taken part in the event and they had a great time.

“It was great for them to get together with children from other schools, to meet a Commonwealth champion and for all the children to take part, no matter how quick they are.”

Louise Somner, from Colman Junior, added: “The children very much enjoyed it. It was a really lovely and well-organised event, the children loved meeting the athlete and it was good fun.”

Nationally, more than 1.25 million children from across the UK will participate in their own run, between May 8 and July 23.

Now in its eighth year, the event, organised by those behind the iconic Great North Run and Tesco, encourages children and their parents to get fit and healthy through exercise and healthy eating.

As part of the run, the pupils have also been fundraising for Mary’s Meals, the official charity of the Tesco Great School Run.

To view images from the event please visit the EDP website

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