Kids in run to good health

Enthusiastic young athletes had plenty of crowd support as they completed a marathon at Saxton Field.

More than 1200 Nelson school children have been taking part in the Rod Dixon Kidsmarathon, running three miles a week this term and learning about healthy living.

On Sunday, 200 completed their final mile at Saxton Field, cheered on by family and schoolmates.

Nelson dairy farmer Julian Raine, whose Oaklands farm neighbours Saxton Field, teamed up with the programme to organise a 5km run.

He met with Olympic medallist and two-time World Cross Country Championship medallist Rod Dixon at the farm in Stoke to plan the cross-country run.

First across the line was experienced cross-country runner Phil Costley and year 7 student Eloise Beatty was the first female.

Kidsmarathon co-ordinator Debra Lautenslager said the programme worked as a good way to get children active and they would build on it for next year.

‘‘We often work with partners who host events that coincide with the grand finale of the Kidsmarathon eightweek programme.

‘‘On this occasion Rod saw the potential of Oakland’s Milk as the perfect partner to fit within our mission to create a life-long commitment to good health and fitness habits in children.’’

The Kidsmarathon programme is delivered free to schools in Nelson through the generous support of Oaklands Milk, Sport Tasman and the Haven Sports Trust

Healthy message: School groups applaud the guest speakers at the Kidsmarathon.

Photos: PATRICK HAMILTON Happy runners: Some of the 200 starters during Sunday’s run.

Final push: Young age groups athletes begin the run during the final of the Rod Dixon Kidsmarathon at Saxton Field.