20th September 2012

Uka Supports World Marathon Challenge

20 September 2012

Following a summer of success for UK endurance running – in particular the inspiring double gold medal winning performances by Mo Farah – UKA is aiming to raise the profile of endurance running among young people and, through the Aviva Athletics Academy, is proud to be supporting the 2012 World Marathon Challenge on 16 October 2012.

The event is a free, simultaneous relay in which teams of 11 to 13-year-olds from schools and clubs across the globe race against each other over the full marathon distance, with the aim of beating Patrick Makau’s marathon World Record time of  2 hours 3 minutes and 38 seconds.

It is a fantastic way for children to develop their endurance running skills, as well providing them with an exciting opportunity to get involved in a worthwhile project.

Children from Canada to Kenya and the UK to New Zealand will be taking part, on a day which also marks World Food Day, as they run in solidarity with those going hungry in poor countries.

Former Olympic 400m champion and London 2012 silver medallist Christine Ohuruogu, already heavily involved in improving young lives through sport in her role with the Aviva Athletics Academy, will lead off a group of schools participating in the World Marathon Challenge in Willesden, north-west London on October 16th. She spoke of her support for the cause:

“As an ambassador for the Aviva Athletics Academy I’ve seen countless lives changed by athletics, as kids are given an opportunity to fulfil their sporting potential and live healthier lives. For that reason, I am pleased to be supporting the 2012 World Marathon Challenge in aid of Save the Children. Giving kids the opportunity to run as part of a marathon relay team on October 16th will change lives across the globe.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games in London have inspired a generation to get active and I can’t wait to see thousands of British kids involved in a global running event like this. Being able to link my work inspiring young athletes with the Aviva Athletics Academy to such a good cause, like Save the Children, gives me immense pride and I encourage as many kids as possible to take part next month.”

To enter the World Marathon Challenge please register via the Save the Children website.

Participation in the World Marathon Challenge automatically qualifies participants for the Aviva UKA Academy Endurance and Marathon Awards, which can be purchased through the Aviva UKA Academy website.

The Aviva Academy Award scheme is a great reward scheme for young athletes, measuring their personal best efforts across Track and Field, Endurance and Sportshall programmes. For full details, visit the Aviva Athletics Academy website: www.uka.org.uk/academy