Shrewsbury School in Shropshire creates a Global Schools Running Race for young athletes from around the world to enter

An opportunity for young athletes to compete in a unique global running race has been created by Shrewsbury School in Shropshire.

The Global Schools Running Race offers the chance for pupils around the world to compete in a virtual race suited for their age group in the hope of connecting young athletes from around the globe. So far, Shrewsbury School has seen more than 400 entrants for the race, with numbers increasing daily.

A large number of countries have signed up, with Bahrain, Singapore, Russia, Latvia, Spain, France, China, Ethiopia, Kenya and Canada having already completed their races, along with interest from Holland, USA, Tanzania, Sweden, Australia and Thailand.

Competitors are asked to pick their own route, across flat terrain, which is then logged and compared to find the winner of each age category.

The distances range from 2km for under-9 with under-13, under-15, under-19 and over-19 completing a 5km race with prizes awarded to the overall male and female winners of each age category. No Strava verification is required and instead it is based on trust.

The race is open for anyone to take part, and competitors can enter using an Eventbrite link by clicking here. The closing date for the race is midday (BST) on Sunday March 21.

Race organiser Sam Griffiths said: “Our inspiration for this virtual event is our passionate belief in the importance of staying active and the benefits that come from it both for physical and mental wellbeing, even more important amongst youngsters at the moment.

“So much has been taken away from this generation – all around the world – but yet there is light on the horizon and we want to really harness that sense of optimism and possibility in aiming to unite youngsters all around the world through the shared joy of running.

“The Global Schools Running Race (perhaps one of the first of its kind) isn’t necessarily so much about competition and seeing who’s the fastest. Rather, it’s about joining together and sharing in the enjoyment of something that is love all around the world.

“With the sport of cross-country running having originated at Shrewsbury School, we feel something of a responsibility and duty in promoting the sport of running and celebrating in its rich traditions alongside all that running offers to youngsters to this day.

“So, lace up those trainers and give it a go. You can even compare yourself against… the rest of the world!”

All race times must be submitted no later than midday on March 21 to Kirsten Webb at the following email address [email protected] and please include full name, race category and school name.

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