Around 10,000 pupils from 43 primary schools have signed up to walk, jog or run a mile every day between now and the summer holidays as part of Active Gloucestershire’s Daily Mile initiative.

The initiative is being supported by Cheltenham Racecourse, NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Gloucestershire Public Health and Hartpury College.

Pupils, teachers and guests will get the scheme officially underway by walking, running or jogging a mile at Cheltenham Racecourse at 11am today.

“Our ambition is to improve children’s health and wellbeing through regular activity and spending time in the fresh air every day”, said Tom Hall, head of education at Active Gloucestershire – leading the initiative across Gloucestershire.

“We are absolutely delighted that so many schools, teachers and pupils have signed up to the challenge and are really excited about getting it under way.

“A short exercise break from curriculum can bring so many benefits to both pupils and teachers by helping children to be healthier, more productive and alert.

“Although the initiative gets under way this week, it’s not too late for other schools to join – if you are one such school, please do get in touch and join us. We are working with schools to increase daily physical activity levels for all pupils and teachers in a realistic and sustainable way.

“The Daily Mile is non-competitive, fully inclusive, free and fun, and has many benefits for children. Schools who have already taken part have reported improved confidence and better focus in lessons amongst pupils, and parental evaluations are consistently and overwhelmingly positive”.

Active Gloucestershire has challenged schools to collectively “trot” around a virtual route of Europe by the end of the summer term. Children can do this by going on an educational journey with School Games mascot ‘Old Spot’ on his ‘European trot’. All schools that successfully complete the route will be entered into a draw to win the chance to complete their mile with Old Spot, or a local sporting celebrity.