Around 1,000 pupils from schools across Coventry descended on the city’s War Memorial Park this weekend for the annual Coventry Children’s Mile.
Primary school children of all abilities come together to embrace fitness and fun, supported by their families and the wider community. Organised jointly by Coventry City Council, CV Life and Coventry School Games, the event highlighted the importance of physical activity and community engagement.
The mile-long race featured a scenic route through the park, offering young runners the chance to experience the thrill of a race in a safe and encouraging environment. Participants ranged from seasoned young athletes to first-time runners, all eager to cross the finish line and celebrate their achievement.
All who took part received a souvenir event t-shirt as well as a certificate of participation, and the mile route was fully accessible for all abilities. Dozens of volunteers including a host from CV Life, took time out of their day to ensure the event ran smoothly.
Wendy Jackson, Head of Community Development at CV Life, shared her excitement on the day: “It was wonderful to have 1,000 children running from so many different Coventry primary schools. It’s great to see them all come out here in the morning on a beautiful day to run a mile.
“With so many different distractions for children, be it playing on their devices or watching TV, encouraging Coventry’s youngsters to get active is more vital now than ever before.
“That’s why interactive and social events like the Children’s Mile are so important – it gets kids and their families out in the fresh air and being active, all while having loads of fun. It’s been a brilliant day!”
Paul Breed, CEO of CV Life, praised the collaborative effort: “What a great event. 1,000 kids and a whole load of adults as well. It’s been a great team effort by all of the CV Life staff turning up here at 6.30 in the morning, putting this all together, navigating the course, and actually making sure that everyone has a great time. It’s just an absolutely brilliant effort.”
As the runners crossed the finish line, they were met with cheers and applause from the huge crowds.
Two of the runners to cross the finish line were CV Life’s own Chief Operations Officer Steve Wiles and his six-year-old son Finn.
Steve said: “I’ve loved today, running with my six-year-old who goes to St John Vianney, alongside so many children running the route, all at different paces with loads of people watching – it’ll be something they remember for a long time. It’s been a great experience and I loved every minute of it.”
Finn added: “It was amazing to run around the park and I don’t know what could ever be better than this!”