Kids Run Free is the Kids Marathon programme being run by Leamington charity. The programme invites schools from all over the country, to help give children the chance to run the marathon distance, over a period of time and get a medal on completion, through a sports programme. Organisers of the Virgin Money London Marathon, London Marathon Events Ltd, is assisting the charity and financially supporting the initiative. In conjunction with the launch (2016/17) across the rest of the county, 30 primary schools have been involved in the programme.
The main objective of the project is to motivate children to be more active and not just to complete the distance, but whatever the distance possible. Children of varying abilities have been motivated to take to running and physical exercise. Kids Run Free was set up by Martine Verweij and Catherine O’Carrol, 6 year ago in Leamington, with the aim to give sustainable running opportunities for children up to 16 years. The initiative creates fun for them and organises free running sessions on the first Saturday of the month. The free sessions are held in Warwick, at St Nicolas Park and in Leamington, at Newbold Comyn. More information is at the website- kidsrunfree.co.uk.
