Kids run for the finish line in new Guinness World Record attempt

Thousands of children in the UK and Ireland are under starter’s orders for a huge Guinness World Record attempt.

[ClickPress, Thu Apr 19 2007] Thousands of children in the UK and Ireland are under starter’s orders for a huge Guinness World Record attempt.

The 2007 Tesco Great School Run aims to sign-up half a million seven to 11-year-olds, to participate in a series of co-ordinated two-kilometre fun runs at schools across the UK and Ireland on Thursday 21 June, smashing last year’s record.

Last year Marathon World Champion and World Record Holder, Paula Radcliffe, started the world’s largest simultaneous running event, in which over 240,000 children crossed the finish line, securing a new Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Simultaneous Walk or Run’.

The countdown to the record-breaking race starts today with the launch of an exciting new interactive website www.greatschoolrun.org designed to give teachers, parents and children more information and running tips.

The Tesco Great School Run is a fun event designed to encourage children to think more about healthy eating and support teachers and parents in the fight against childhood obesity, ensuring that sport and recreational activity are regularly enjoyed among children at Key Stage II level.

Debra Stones, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tesco, said: " We were overwhelmed with the enthusiastic response to last year’s Tesco Great School Run, which secured a brand new Guinness World Record.

“This is one of the many schemes we run to get children and their families excited about sport and leading healthier, more balanced lifestyles. With rising obesity levels across the UK, now, more than ever, it is time to educate young people to get active as part of a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re very much looking forward to this year’s programme, building on the success of last year. Listen out for more news, as we will be announcing some exciting new activities for schools to get involved with very soon!”

The initiative has the backing of Sport England and Edexcel and aims to persuade teachers and education chiefs to make sure that sport and exercise figure high on the academic agenda.

Participating schools can download a five-week programme of physical and classroom activities from the new website, and will receive a pack containing all the materials they will need to help run their race day.



For more information visit www.greatschoolrun.org



ENDS

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