Road to Rio The Olympic Games in 2016 are being held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It is approximately 5807 miles from Macclesfield to Brazil.

Our Plan at Gawsworth We are planning to run the distance to Rio. Two of our Sport Ambassadors have measured our playground and it takes about 12 laps of the playground to equal 1 mile. That means we are going to run 5800 miles collectively. If 100 children take up the challenge, then it will mean that each child has to run 58 miles. If you do a mile a day that will be 5 miles in a week. We have until the end of July to complete the challenge.

How will we do it You will do the running at playtime and lunch time. You will change into your trainers. As you run around the playground, there will be coloured bands that you put on your wrist as you pass each lap. We will keep a total of the miles that you do and the results will be displayed showing the winning house and class. Mrs Fregapane and Mrs Poole are designing our ‘Road to Rio’, display which will be in the hall.

Rewards The children who have achieved the most individual miles throughout the year will also have special recognition at different times in the year. The first main event is in January when children who have run the furthest will go to the Harriers Running Club in Macclesfield. They will run with a man called Ben Smith who is attempting to break a world record by running 401 marathons in 401 days.

How we can make a difference Ben is running to raise money for two charities who help people who are being bullied. If you would like to enter our challenge ‘Road to Rio’ we would like a donation of £1.00. This money raised will go towards the charities tackling ‘Bullying’. A letter is being sent home tonight to tell your parents about our latest challenge.

When does it start We are planning to begin running on Monday 7 th December 2015 (this Monday). Hand your letter in to your teacher. Everyone can have a go at running. Come and give it a go. On Monday morning playtime come onto the playground wearing your trainers and begin to run. I will be there to start you off. It will be great fun and it will get you super fit.