Yesterday, 83 children and teachers from the three Fifth classes travelled to Morton Stadium in Santry to complete the final run of their marathon challenge as part of the Marathon Kids program, organised by Fingal County Council. St. Marnock's were one of 70 schools from all over Dublin that take part in the event.
The children in the three Fifth classes embraced the challenge to run the marathon distance (42km) over the last eight weeks and could be seen out running laps of the grass and tarmac a few mornings a week. The program is inclusive in that it is non competitive and children run or walk at their own pace. The benefits include fostering healthy habits in children and increased concentration when children return to class for work.
It was a bitterly cold but bright morning in Santry as the Marnock's children ran a lap of Santry demesne behind the stadium and then onto the track for a final sprint through the finishing gantry. There, they were presented with medals by the organisers. It was a case of high fives and cheers all round and cold hands and feet were soon forgotten. After a drink and a snack sitting in the winter sunshine, it was time to return to school!
