To serious runners a half marathon does not sound too much like hard work. To everyone else it sounds like a Herculean task. So, how about a half marathon in bite-sized pieces done over 12 weeks? Beginning to sound a bit more manageable?

Well, that’s just what the THHN Half Marathon Schools Challenge is all about. The idea is that local schools encourage the children to run 1 mile each week over 12 weeks and then join the crowds on Paignton Green on Sunday, 28 June at the Torbay Half Marathon and run their final mile in front of hundreds of spectators using part of the traffic-free Torbay Half Marathon course.

THHN is the Torbay Holiday Helpers Network. THHN provides free, fun-filled holidays for families who have seriously ill children, families who are bereaved, having lost a child or parent, and families who have a terminally ill parent. THHN Fundraising Manager Brian Lewis said “This is a great way for children to participate in the Half Marathon and enjoy the atmosphere of the race, and will bring much excitement as they cross the finish line, having completed 13 miles in total. We are very grateful to the organisers of the Torbay Half Marathon for giving us the opportunity to put on the Schools Challenge at this popular event, as well as Angels Tea Rooms for their sponsorship.”

Each child taking part will receive a medal and a THHN t-shirt. Not only is the idea a great way to get children interested in running but if the children would like to raise sponsorship for THHN while taking part, then that would be even better. The school whose children raise the most money will win £100 of book vouchers.

Each school will receive a map of the Torbay Half Marathon route so the children can mark of a section of the route after they have completed that week’s mile. For a bit of extra inspiration, each school can also receive a visit from Memory Maker Man, the THHN mascot, and THHN runners who will run one mile with the children at their school and tell them all about the charity and what they do.

Schools have until March 27th to sign up for this event and anyone who wants to find out more can visit www.thhn.co.uk/school or email [email protected]