Youngsters run to Rio as part of sport challenge

Eighty children took part to see how close they could get to running the entire 9,000 km from Derbyshire to the games.

The children took part in a morning run at the start of the school day.

They also included their own extra running, swimming and cycling at the evenings and weekends.

The final total distance covered was a fantastic 4,350km.

The idea behind the Run to Rio attempt was to raise cash for three local charities Ashgate Hospicecare, Blythe House Hospice and Helen’s Trust under the banner #Challenge Derbyshire.

One student said of the  experience: “I thought the challenge would be really boring and I don’t like running much.

“But everyone really got stuck in and enjoyed it. We all started running at school but did run to school a few times in the morning.

“And sometimes we went to the park after school and ran around there playing for a bit. It all added to the total distance.”

The school wanted to encourage the youngsters to both get active and lead a healthier lifestyle, and also to raise cash for the three local charities.

Ashgate Hospicecare is independent registered charity that provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

Blythe House Hospice, based in the High Peak here to support anyone affected by cancer, life-threatening illness or bereavement.