Member Article

The Bank Holiday Weekend gets off to an energetic start!

Forty eight Gateshead Primary Schools took part in a mass fun run today, the last day of school before the half-term break.

5,000 children between the ages of 3 and 11 descended upon Gateshead’s Saltwell Park to take part in The intu Metrocentre Gateshead Schools Fun Run, organised by the Gateshead School Sport Partnership (SSP).

Sporting star Craig Heap, Commonwealth Games Gold medal winning gymnast, and English and British champion started the race, and was joined by the Deputy Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Rachel Mullen.

Craig said:

“It’s fantastic to see so many pupils having such a great time getting fit and active in such a beautiful location! Hopefully this will inspire more families to run together in one of the many beautiful parks we have here in the north east.

“Sport is by far one of the most important things you can do to prepare you for life” he continued, “it’s unrealistic to think that we are going to win everything, but we can still have goals and achieve our personal best.” He went on to say: “If you can look in the mirror and say to yourself: ‘I’m not quite good enough yet’ - you will get there! Successful people are the ones who do their best day in, day out. You need to follow your passion as far as you can, just keep going with the sport and dare to be different!”

The fun run on started with a mass warm up activity, led by Craig alongside intu Metrocentre’s popular mascots the Metrognomes, then participants ran in a number of waves of approximately 150-200, beginning with an elite 1 mile run featuring 180 competitors (aged 9-10). Nursery and reception pupils (aged 3-5) completed a slighter shorter course of 0.68 miles.

The first three girls and boys in the competitive races were awarded medals, along with £20 intu Gift Cards.

WINNING GIRLS - (First) Aoife Bell (11) Oakfield Juniors (Second) Annabelle Milburn (10) Ryton Juniors, (Third) Hazel Richardson (11) Ryton Juniors.

WINNING BOYS – (First ) Ollie Harrison (10) Dunston Hill Community Primary (Second) Max Murray (11) St Joseph’s Highfield (Third) Alastair MacGregor (10) St Joseph’s Highfield.

In addition, every child who shows their participation certificate to intu Metrocentre’s customer service desk at the lower blue mall during half term week (26 May – 3 June) will go into a lucky draw to win a £100 intu Gift card, and a Namco family bowling pass.

Gavin Prior, regional centre director for intu Metrocentre, commented:

“It’s a real pleasure to support Gateshead SSP with their mission to build an active and healthy future for children through PE and sport, and the intu Metrocentre Gateshead Fun Run is a real highlight in our event calendar.

“At intu Metrocentre we’re guided by our culture and values so being part of a fantastic event that’s at the heart of the community that we serve is something we feel passionately about.

“This was such an enjoyable way to start the half-term week with fun outdoor activity with friends and family that can continue throughout the summer months, as we enjoy lighter nights and hopefully warmer weather - fingers crossed for some sunshine on the day itself!”

Kevin Hay, School Sport & Physical Activity Development Manager, Gateshead SSP and Event Manager, said:

“This fun run is one of over 200 sporting events we organise for Gateshead schools each year, and one of our flagship events. We’re delighted to have intu Metrocentre on board again this year as our headline partner. We are always keen to work alongside local organisations to help realise our vision and increase participation levels within Gateshead Schools.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lyn Spencer .