Children from Gaeltacht schools to run a marathon!

Over 1,360 children from 38 Gaeltacht schools around the country, including over 100 primary school children in the north Mayo (Erris) Gaeltacht, have started an eigth-week programme during which they will complete Maratón na bPáistí and learn about the importance of being active.

The children will run or walk a specified distance around the school yard four days a week, increasing the distance every week until they have run or walked a full marathon, 42.2km.

Each day they run they will also follow lessons to learn about the physical, mental, educational and social benefits of being active.

This initiative is being co-ordinated by Irish language planning officers of the Gaeltacht, in conjunction with Marathon Kids Ireland, who devised the programme and have been running it successfully in Dublin schools for the past five years. This is the first time the programme is being run outside Dublin.

Majella Ní Chríocháin, language planning officer with Pobal Rua in an Cheathrú Rua, explained their involvement: “We are delighted that so many schools in Gaeltacht areas all around the country are taking part in this great project. We are not surprised, however, given the importance of outdoor activities for children, particularly in the current environment.

“This is a fun activity which all children, regardless of their level of fitness or ability, can take part in and enjoy.”

Laoise Ní Dhúda, language planning officer with Gaeilge Iorrais, added: ‘One-hundred children from Gaeltacht scheme schools in Erris are participating in Maratón na bPáistí. This is a wonderful opportunity to become fitter, more confident and to learn about the importance of physical activity, nutrition and hydration.

“From a language planning perspective, it provides an opportunity for children to socialise and engage in activities trí mheán na Gaeilge with friends and classmates in the school yard. We wish all of the children and their teachers taking part in Maratón na bPáistí the best of luck. Go n-éirí go geal libh!”

Children will run the final mile of Maratón na bPáistí on Thursday, December 10, when they will be awarded special medals and t-shirts.