Healthy pupils aim to run a mile a day
Pupils from five primary schools in Burnley will be putting their best feet forward and bidding to run a daily mile to improve their health.
Burnley School Sport Partnership, supported by the Lancashire Sport Partnership, has launched the Run a Mile Pilot Scheme which is the first of its kind in the area after it was developed by a Scottish school, St Ninian’s.
Holy Trinity, St John’s Cliviger, Casterton, Wellfield and St James Lanehead all hope their pupils will don their trainers once a day and take part in a mile run or walk to help improve their well-being, which has a knock-on effect of contributing to their learning, attention and behaviour.
The event was launched at St John’s Cliviger with Great Britain middle-distance athlete Leah Barrow holding a warm-up session alongside St John’s head teacher Naomi Healey and PE governor Trevor Shanley before the eager pupils tried out their first mile.
Mrs Healey said: “This is a great opportunity to be involved in something which will improve the children’s health, stamina and concentration in the classroom.”
School governor Mr Shanley said: “This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for the school and our children.
“All the parents I have spoke to are on board and support it.”
The one-mile sessions at the primary schools will start after next week’s half-term holiday.
“Initially the children are aiming to run a mile at least three times a week but it is hoped that once they start seeing the benefits they will increase it to every day,” said Helen Tyson, Schools Games Organiser for Burnley School Sport Partnership.