Pupils and staff at Christopher Pickering Primary School have gone the extra mile by completing their own marathons, raising an impressive amount for charity.

This achievement forms part of the school’s ongoing work with the London Marathon Foundation, which aims to increase physical activity among children through running. As part of this initiative, the school was delighted to receive a £2,000 grant to install an activity trail on the playground. This marked route allows children to complete laps and encourages active play during breaktimes.

As part of this programme, the school was also awarded places in the London Mini Marathon. In the lead-up to the event, pupils across the school enthusiastically took part in an in-school Mini Marathon, mirroring a national initiative that has seen over 600,000 children participate. Pupils of all ages challenged themselves to complete distances on the school grounds, demonstrating resilience, determination and a strong sense of teamwork. The event created a fantastic whole-school atmosphere, with children cheering one another on and celebrating their achievements, all while contributing to the fundraising effort.

A group of pupils and staff then travelled to London to take part in the official London Mini Marathon, joining around 19,000 young runners on the Saturday before the London Marathon on the Sunday. The school was proud to represent Hull Active Schools, showcasing the positive impact of their continued support. The trip proved to be a memorable and enriching experience; after an exciting journey travelling by train and navigating the Underground, pupils took on the challenge of the race itself, running past the iconic Buckingham Palace. Their determination and enthusiasm shone throughout, marking a proud and memorable moment for the school community. The visit also provided valuable learning opportunities beyond the race as pupils enjoyed a trip to the Natural History Museum, broadening their experiences outside the classroom and rounding off a busy and rewarding visit to the capital.

Adding to the achievement, PE Coordinator Sam Morgan was selected to take part in the London Marathon as part of a national group of teachers aiming to champion running and inspire children to stay active both in and out of school. Sam performed brilliantly!

Christopher Pickering Primary School remains committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and the importance of physical activity. Taking part in a nationally celebrated event like the Mini London Marathon reflects the school’s dedication to providing enriching and inspiring opportunities for its pupils. The school community chose to support Children Living with Cancer UK through their fundraising efforts, raising a fantastic £1,234 in total.

A huge thank you goes to all the staff who helped organise and support the trip, making this incredible opportunity possible. Well done to everyone involved—what an outstanding achievement!