A group of primary school children completed a relay marathon yesterday in just over three hours.

Each of the 27 children in years five and six at Aldersbrook Primary School, in Harpenden Road, Wanstead, ran 200 metres on Wanstead Flats before passing a baton onto a team member to run the next leg.

They completed the race for Save the Children in a total of three hours, seven minutes and 40 seconds but did not beat the record held by Kenyan Wilson Kipsang of two hours, three minutes and 23 seconds.

The event was part of a worldwide effort involving 594 teams from schools in over 50 countries competing against each other to get the fastest time, with Aldersbrook currently ranking 193rd in the world.

With results still coming in, currently top of the leader board is team ‘Thomas Tallis’ from Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Enfield.

Emily Clay, a year six student from the school, said: “It was a great effort considering the most of the other competitors taking part in the challenge were from secondary schools.

“Although we didn't beat the world record, we all had great fun and are really pleased with the amount of money we raised, which was about £400.”

The money raised by Aldersbrook will go towards saving children around the world from preventable death and illnesses.

Justin Forsyth, chief executive at Save the Children said: “The World Marathon Challenge is a hugely important event and we are thrilled that pupils from Aldersbrook Primary School have taken part.

“Having taken part in this challenge Aldersbrook Primary School have worked together with other schools from across the globe to help Save the Children and really make a difference.”

 

See a video here: