City Hall is working with London Marathon Events, organisers of the world’s greatest marathon, to encourage all primary schools in London to take part in The Daily Mile.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and Sir Mo Farah launched a campaign in October 2018 to make London the first Daily Mile capital city in the world.  At the launch, the Mayor of London, said: 

“Regular exercise is such an important part of a healthy lifestyle and should be part of every child’s life. The Daily Mile is a fantastic initiative which will help children across the capital become more active. I’m proud to support it as part of my Sport Unites programme and I am encouraging every school in London to sign up.”

Over 700 primary schools in London are now registered to take part in The Daily Mile.

What is The Daily Mile?

The Daily Mile is simple and free – children need to run or jog at their own pace for 15 minutes, at least 3 times a week.  There’s no need to change and no equipment is required.  The 10 ‘core principles’ behind The Daily Mile can be found by clicking here. Daily Mile have also updated support so you can complete The Daily Mile while social distancing 

Why do The Daily Mile?

Regular physical activity has lots of benefits for children. We know that one third of children are active for less than 30 minutes a day and over one third of children in Year 6 are overweight, including obese.  The Daily Mile can help improve:

• physical health
• mental health and well-being
• learning in the classroom

A summary of the research evidence can be found by clicking here. 

How can schools in London get involved?  What support is available?

Primary schools in London can sign up here.  Schools will receive a welcome pack and can opt in to receive additional free resources from London Marathon Events - this includes ‘The Daily Mile Challenge’ each half term (assembly pack, classroom posters and certificates), as well as the chance to win prizes to help schools keep their children active and visits from elite athletes.  You can see an example of the resources available:

London Loop assembly presentation (Autumn 2019) click here

Please contact [email protected] if you would like any further information about the opportunities available to London primary schools.

How does The Daily Mile link to Healthy Schools Awards? 

The Daily Mile is an integral part of the Healthy Schools programme and can support a school’s application for a Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards.  Further guidance will be published shortly, including resources to help schools measure the impact of The Daily Mile. 

Messages:

Elaine Wyllie, founder of The Daily Mile, said: “Thousands of children across the capital and the UK are establishing healthy fitness habits taking part in The Daily Mile. I am thrilled that The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and the wonderful Sir Mo Farah are backing the campaign to get kids fit for life across London.”

Sir Mo Farah said: “The Daily Mile is a brilliant and easy way to get kids moving and keeping healthy. I’m a dad of four and I encourage my kids to be active every day. It would be fantastic to see every primary school in London signing up to do The Daily Mile.”

You can also complete The Daily Mile at Home