Kids marathon dream

A NEW Fingal County Council initiative aimed at tackling childhood obesity and encouraging fitness levels is set for a thrilling finish at this weekend’s 26.2 mile Dublin Marathon.

Over 600 sixth class pupils from 22 Fingal schools have been taking part in an eight-week programme, having trained four times a week in their school.

The pupils have completed 25.2 miles, and are now set to complete the last mile at the upcoming SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon on October 26.

This the first time Fingal County Council and Dublin Marathon have been involved in a programme of this type and it’s the first of its kind in the country. 

Fingal County Council, in conjunction with Dublin Marathon, developed a workbook for each pupil taking part which highlights the benefits of sport and is used as both a training guide and learning tool for use in the classroom. 

The response from the local schools in Fingal has been astounding, especially as this is the pilot KiDSMARATHON programme in Ireland. New Zealand Olympian Rod Dixon developed the KiDSMARATHON athletic programme to encourage children to embrace healthy and active lifestyles. A chance meeting between Mr Dixon and Neil Kennedy (Dublin Marathon) paved the way for the programme to come to Ireland.