Christine Ohuruogu backs World Marathon Challenge

Ohuruogu to support World Marathon Challenge as 20,000 youngsters keep Olympic spirit alive

Team GB athletics hero Christine Ohuruogu is leading thousands of schoolchildren from all over the world in a global ‘race against hunger’ next month in the World Marathon Challenge.

On 16 October, World Food Day, more than 20,000 children from 500 schools across the world will compete against each other in the World Marathon Challenge for Save the Children. They’ll be raising awareness of the millions of children who don’t have enough food to eat.

From Scotland to Spain, and Kathmandu to Kenya, teams of children from more than 40 countries will run the marathon distance of 26.2 miles as a relay race – and try and smash Patrick Makau’s world record of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 38 seconds.

Christine leads the way

Former Olympic 400m champion and London 2012 silver medallist Christine Ohuruogu – already heavily involved in improving young lives through sport in her role with the Aviva Athletics Academy – will lead off a group of schools participating in the World Marathon Challenge in Willesden, north-west London on 16 October.

She spoke of her support for the cause:

“As an ambassador for the Aviva Athletics Academy I’ve seen countless lives changed by athletics, as kids are given an opportunity to fulfil their sporting potential and live healthier lives. For that reason, I am pleased to be supporting the 2012 World Marathon Challenge in aid of Save the Children. Giving kids the opportunity to run as part of a marathon relay team on October 16th will change lives across the globe.

“The Olympic and Paralympic Games in London have inspired a generation to get active and I can’t wait to see thousands of British kids involved in a global running event like this. Being able to link my work inspiring young athletes with the Aviva Athletics Academy to such a good cause, like Save the Children, gives me immense pride and I encourage as many kids as possible to take part next month.”

Olympic legacy

Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children, said:

“In 2012 there is no need for anyone at all to go hungry, but right now, across the world 300 children are dying every single hour of every single day. Save the Children is determined to do something to stop it. Like the Olympians, these schoolchildren are sports ambassadors for their country and are carrying on the legacy by using sport for good.

“By taking part in this challenge they are running to help save lives and send a message to world leaders to put global hunger at the top of the agenda at next year’s G8 summit.”

Join us

With registration still open, schools all over the country are urged to participate. Schools can also use the event to raise money for our No Child Born to Die campaign, which aims to stop the needless deaths of more than 7.6 million children every year. So join up quickly and be part of the ‘Race Against Hunger’.

To register, for more information about the World Marathon Challenge and free school resources visit www.savethechildren.org.uk/wmc

The Save the Children World Marathon Challenge is delivered in partnership with Eveque www.eveque.co.uk and with the support of the Amateur Athletic Association, England Athletics, UK Athletics and Aviva Athletics Academy.