A TOTAL of 1,700 students from 34 local schools ran the final mile of a marathon at Morton Stadium as part of a Fingal County Council initiative.
In the MarathonKids’ programme, the fifth and sixth class students ran a total of 25.2 miles during group training sessions over an eight-week period. To complete the marathon distance, they ran a full mile at Morton Stadium together.
On reaching the finish line, the runners were congratulated and presented with a medal by international Olympic athlete, David Gillick.
The MarathonKids’ programme, implemented across Fingal three years ago, was the first of its kind in Ireland.
Fingal County Council sports officer and MarathonKids’ coordinator, Niall McGuirk, said: “This programme was designed to benefit runners of all abilities.
“Each week, the runners would increase their distances gradually making it sustainable and most importantly, it was enjoyable. Students learned a huge amount about health, fitness and nutrition along the way and improved their confidence as they saw their fitness levels improve. The final mile showed them how their hard work and commitment can pay off.”
MarathonKids Ireland and the council’s sports office delivered the progamme across the local schools.
MarathonKids Ireland Director Seán O’Ríain said: “The Marathonkids Ireland Programme has great benefits for schools and students alike and I believe the programme could benefit every school in Ireland.”