On the run for fun in park

MORE than 1,200 pupils from 10 Halton primary schools participated in two mass running events organised by the running initiative GO Run For Fun in Runcorn and Widnes.

The events, comprising of 2km runs each, kicked off in Widnes at Victoria Park, then continued at Heath Hill in Runcorn the following day.

Pupils aged between five and 11 years old took part in the fun run and it was held in partnership with Active Halton.

Kelly Massey, Rio 4x400 bronze medalist and 2017 GO Run For Fun ambassador in Manchester, showed her support once again for the primary pupils in Widnes.

She said: “It is so important for young children to take part in physical activity that’s fun and easily accessible.

“This is exactly what GO Run For Fun is about.

“I would advise young children to try every sport and activity they get the

chance to.

“They need to find something that they are going to enjoy which will help them continue to be more active.”

Jenny Meadows, 800m 2009 world bronze medallist and European indoor champion, supported the Runcorn event as the ambassador.

When asked about the importance of these events for young children, Meadows commented: “Being of school age offers so many choices and opportunities to stay active and healthy.

“I would encourage youngsters to have a go at lots of different physical activities in order to stay active and healthy and to find out what they really enjoy.”

Joining Jenny at the Runcorn event was Naomi Ogbeta, four times British triple jump champion, whose interest in athletics began in a school competition when she was just 14 years old. Not only did Naomi cheer the runners on, she competed in a dance off against the primary school pupils, putting their dance skills to the test.

GO Run For Fun is an initiative supported by INEOS, a multinational company headquartered in London, with health and fitness at the heart of its ethos.

INEOS Chairman, Jim Ratcliffe, is deeply passionate about running.

He said: “It has never been more important to support young people in leading healthier, more active lives.

“GO Run For Fun and The Daily Mile have been making a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of children in the UK and beyond for the last four years.

“We are very proud to support these two initiatives and everyone who runs in them.”

To find out more about GO Run For Fun, visit www.gorunforfun.com or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.