Run for the Children

"Children helping children!" is the message from Run for the Children, a national initiative in association with Nationwide aiming to get everyone off their sofas, into the parks and raising money for charity in 2008. 

3km fun runs are being held at over 20 locations across the UK and are perfect for the whole family.  The Department of Health's 5 A DAY, Runners World, the Mind Exercise Nutrition Do-It! (MEND) programme and the Youth Sport Trust all support Run for the Children because of the focus on healthy eating combined with fun training.  

Run for the Children raises money for The Children's Trust, an excellent charity which cares for children with multiple disabilities, so whether participants are running with their families, their friends, or their local Girlguiding pack, this is a fun run that really changes people's lives for the better.

"We think our runs are making a big difference to the health of the country," says Annabel Anderson, national organiser. “Kids life spans are now predicted to be shorter than the previous generation. 

Our research shows that since Run for the Children started in 2003, 85% of participants have felt encouraged to lead a healthier lifestyle.  This is great news for kids". 

Run for the Children wants to inspire people to run together as families and groups, and not just for one day, but the whole year round.

To keep the motivation levels high, all those taking part receive regular newsletters and a Fit for Fun Action Pack explaining which foods are good to eat, how to warm-up and giving tips on how to run well.  

Many of the runs are part of wider community events featuring sports, entertainment and all kinds of family activities.  Go to www.runforthechildren.co.uk to find a run in your area.

Get fit, keep fit and have fun.  Join in now at www.runforthechildren.co.uk!

Click here for a list of dates and locations.