The Daily Mile Santa Run

In light of the events in the past year, children’s mental health, and its relationship to physical activity, is more important than ever.  The Daily Mile™ is a UK-wide initiative which gets children out of the classroom for 15 minutes every day, to run or jog at their own pace. Whilst making them fitter, healthier and able to concentrate in the classroom, it has huge social and emotional benefits too.

On Friday 3 December,  595 local primary schools and early years setting took time out of the classroom to take part in the Daily Mile NI Santa Run. The Minister for Education, Michelle McIlveen, Stranmillis University College Principal and CEO Professor Jonathan Heggarty and Daily Mile Network NI co-chairs Dr Barbara McConnell and Dr Brenda McKay-Redmond joined staff and pupils at Comber Primary School for #TheDailyMile Santa Run!

Co-Chair, Dr Barbara McConnell, commenting on the success of the day, said: “We wanted as many schools and early years settings as possible around Northern Ireland to get moving on the same day and celebrate the positive benefits that daily activity can have on our mental health. Having almost 600 schools and early years settings register to take part in this event is hugely encouraging and a great endorsement of the principles behind The Daily Mile.”