Marathon World Champion and World Record Holder, Paula Radcliffe, today started the world’s largest simultaneous running event - the Tesco Great School Run at schools in Leicestershire, Bedford and London.
Attempting to gain an official entry into the Guinness World Records Book, the Tesco Great School Run has seen over 250,000 seven to 11 year-olds cross the finish line at thousands of schools across the UK and Ireland.
Paula’s record-breaking race day started at Sherrier Church of England Primary School, in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Paula kick-started their fun run, signed autographs and spent time chatting to kids and giving some expert running tips.
On the next part of a flying visit by helicopter, Paula visited her former school, Lincroft Middle School, in Bedford. Head teacher Mike Lavelle, said: "It was absolutely fantastic to see Paula return to the school, the children really enjoyed her visit and it made our race day very special.
"We wanted to get involved with the Tesco Great School Run so that we can educate children about the importance of fitness but have a lot of fun at the same time!
"We have all really enjoyed race day, everyone tried their best and this is definitely something we will look to get involved with in the future."
Leaving Bedford, Paula went to visit her final school for the day, Donnington Primary School in Brent.
Paula Radcliffe said: "I really have enjoyed being involved in the Tesco Great School Run, and meeting so many enthusiastic and talented children. It was lovely to be back at my old school and be part of each school’s fun run.
"I think that the most important message to have come from this initiative is that exercise is very important but can be a lot of fun at the same time. It is clear to see from each stop we made today that there are some very talented young athletes in our schools!"
Debra Stones, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tesco, added, "We’d really like to say a big thank you to Paula for being involved in this year’s Tesco Great School Run, and to all of the schools who have made the 2006 programme such a success.
"We hope everyone’s enjoyed their day, and look forward to hopefully being able to confirm the Guinness World Record!"
Children were invited to take part in the event as a fun exercise and to encourage them to think more about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity as part of a balanced lifestyle.
The initiative also aims to persuade teachers and education chiefs to make sure that sport and recreational activity figure high on the academic agenda.
For more information visit www.greatschoolrun.org/
