Fleet-footed Eden Primary School students gearing up for Crouch End fun run

The benefits are endless for a group of fleet-footed youngsters taking part in running sessions before school.

It is a common sight in the playground to see the Eden Mighty Milers – children aged between six and 10 years old from Eden Primary School – walking or jogging ahead of their fun run in Priory Park on Sunday, May 21 before lessons have even begun.

The Crouch End fun run – which attracts more than 2,000 children each year – has been organised by YMCA North London, a community group determined to improve the health and wellbeing of young people.

A study by fitness company Fitmedia Ltd earlier this year showed that schoolchildren who participate in 15 minutes of physical activity each day perform up to 25 per cent higher than expected in reading, writing and maths. They were also fitter, more confident and better behaved.

Headteacher Jo Sassienie said: “We are passionate about the Eden Mighty Milers.

“We’re giving the children the knowledge that they can run – a skill that only needs a pair of trainers.

“Knowing that they can run makes them feel mentally as well as physically strong. After each training session they are buzzing and energised, and YMCA’s one-mile race is our goal.

“The YMCA are giving those that participate, a gift for life.”

For more information about the race – which takes place between 9am and 5pm and has a variety of categories – visit ymcanorthlondon.org.uk.