Kids running campaign comes to Eaton Park for 2k GO Run for Fun event
The Go Run For Fun children's 2k event in Eaton park. Laviai and Lina Nielsen start the race. Photo: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Archant
On your marks, get set, GO!
Esme Abbott, from St Francis of Assisi School, was first to cross the finish line. Photo: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Archant
More than 1,500 children took part in a 2k fun run in Eaton Park organised by the children's running initiative GO Run For Fun.
The campaign encourages children to particpate in sport and develop healthy lifestyles.
Pupils from local schools, including St Francis of Assisi, Mulbarton Infant, Mulbarton Junior, Hethersett Junior, Cringleford Primary, Bluebell Primary, Henderson Green, Wensum Junior Academy and Colman Junior School, tackled the 2k distance with support from GO Run for Fun ambassadors, athletes Lina and Laviai Nielsen.
The runners were cheered on by the medal-winning Nielsen twins and posed with the INEOS mascot. Lina Nielsen is the 2015 European 4x400m Champion, and twin Laviai is the 2017 European 4x400m Silver medallist.
The children "loved" taking part in the 2k fun run. Photo: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Archant
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Laviai Nielsen described the event as 'a great way to introduce children to running as a sport and to inspire them to be more active', and added, 'we're really looking forward to spurring them on and celebrating with them when they cross the finish line'.
The GO Run For Fun event is managed by Norwich School Sport Partnership and supported by City Academy Norwich. The campaign has encouraged more than 190,000 children to get active through more than 260 UK events, and is the biggest children's running initiative in the world. The race was not timed, and the focus was on all 1,500 children who completed the course, with everyone who finished the race being awarded a pair of New Balance shoelaces.
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The speediest runner was Esme Abbott from St Francis of Assisi School. Children from Mulbarton Junior School said they 'loved' the event, with the best part being 'crossing the finish line'.
Jim Ratcliffe, owner of INEOS, a sponsor of the initiative said: 'I'm passionate about getting as many children running early in their lives.
The sun was shining as more than 1,500 children took part in the event. Photo:SOnya Duncan - Credit: Archant
'Running is the basis of so many great sports. If our children can catch the running bug early, they're more likely to stick to it, and this can only lead to them having more active and healthier lifestyles in the future.'
Organiser Jacqueline Critchley described GO Run For Fun's hopes to encourage children to enjoy getting active, saying: 'moving more and sitting less is one of our mottos.'
The race wasn't timed, but every child who started the race completed the course. Photo: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Archant
