Bromham mum Zoe Rucker is hoping the May Mile run for local children she is organising will be the start of something big.
She is setting up the event, for children 16 and under, in the playing field at St Nicholas Primary School in Bromham on Sunday May 16 when the first race will set off at 11am.
Mrs Rucker, from Chittoe, said: “This is the first of its kind and I hope it takes off as an idea.
“It will be raising money for the school, which is jolly nice, but there is a wider idea behind it – to encourage children to take more exercise and discover their running legs.”
Mrs Rucker, who has three children at the school, Abby, six, and four-year-old twins Josie and Nynka, is a runner herself. She said: “I do 10ks (ten-kilometre races) all the time and at one of them there was a mini fun run for children. My three did it. They loved it and were so pleased they got a medal at the end.”
So Mrs Rucker approached the school and local businesses and was delighted at the response she got.
As a result of sponsorship from Sainsbury’s in Melksham every child who takes part on May 16 will get a medal and there has also been support from Wiltshire Concrete, Interconics Ltd, Stiles the butchers, V&P and Bromham Growers.
Also on the day Sportzcoach will be organising a free timed assault course.
Entry for the race is £3 for pre-registration or £4 on the day. Families can participate for £10 pre-registered or £12 on the day. Pre-registration forms are available at www.maymile.co.uk Mrs Rucker said: “I have approached as many primary and secondary schools in Wiltshire as I can through headteachers, extra-curricular personnel and PE channels.
“We’re hoping for a busy day to inspire sporty 16s and under and to raise money for the school.”
This is Wiltshire - 30th April 2010