16th May 2024
Staff and students across ϲʽֱ’s family of schools took part in a two-day running challenge this weekend, taking on just over two marathons in two days and a 5km fun run, to raise funds for the ϲʽֱ Community Foundation’s ‘Bed and Breakfast’ campaign.
The two-day exhilarating event saw more than 70 members of the ϲʽֱ family take on the formidable challenge of running between each of the trust’s 15 schools. Colleagues joined for different legs of the run, with some completing the full 54 mile route.
The runners began in Stoke on Trent, leaving Greenways Primary Academy at 10am before arriving at nearby Milton Primary Academy shortly after. They then ran to Newcastle under Lyme visiting Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, Newcastle Academy and Clayton Hall Academy on route.
As the runners arrived at each school, they were met by celebratory crowds of supporters, who were participating in their own school-based events, including fun runs, colour runs, craft markets and street parties. Day 1 ended with the runners crossing the finishing line at Clayton Hall Academy to the sound of Chariots of Fire, played by the school’s band.
The second day, Sunday 12th May, started at Cheslyn Hay Academy in South Staffordshire, with participants running to neighbouring Great Wyrley Academy before visiting Rivers and Goldsmith Primary Academies in Walsall. They then ran south to Windsor Olympus Academy in Winson Green before continuing to Halesowen, visiting Manor Way and Tenterfields Primary Academies, Windsor High School and Sixth Form and Colley Lane Primary Academy.
Once again, runners were met with crowds of supporters, including student cheerleading squads, fun runs, inflatables and family fun days. The runners then completed the two-day run at Kingswinford Academy, joined by trust staff, students and families for a 5km family fun run and final celebration.
Following the event, ϲʽֱ is on track to raise more than £20,000 for the Foundation’s ‘Bed and Breakfast’ campaign, which aims to ensure every child in its family of schools has their own bed to sleep in and breakfast each morning.
Dawn Haywood, CEO of ϲʽֱ, commented: “We recognise that schools and students thrive best when communities do and the ϲʽֱ Community Foundation is an important part of this as it will enable us to do more in the communities our schools serve. It was truly heartwarming to witness the enthusiasm and determination of all our WAT a Run participants and the event exemplified the unity of our family of schools.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who made the event a resounding success, as well as thank our generous sponsors, Lord Combustion Services, CHG and Sync, our donors and our supporters. Their unwavering support and commitment has ensured we are well on our journey to be able to deliver on our long-term goal of ensuring every child within our family of schools has a bed to sleep in and breakfast each day..”
To find out more and to make a donation to the ϲʽֱ Community Foundation, please visit: