CHAMPION athletes joined schoolchildren from across Darlington to kick off the 2015 calendar of a nationwide running initiative.

More than 300 children from 18 Darlington primary schools descended on Eastbourne Sports Complex today (Tuesday, February 10) to take part in the first INEOS Go Run For Fun event of the year.

The campaign is the brainchild of Jim Ratcliffe, the owner of manufacturing company INEOS, who pledged a £1.5m donation spread over three years to establish a new charitable foundation to encourage children to run for fun.

Mr Ratcliffe said: “Running is the basis of so many great sports.

“If our children can catch the running bug early, they’re more likely to stick to it, and this can only lead to them having more active and healthier lifestyles in the future.”

Over 100 events have now been staged since the first event was launched in September 2013 by Perri Shakes-Drayton, world and European 400m hurdle champion – who, along with English Fell Running champion Victoria Wilkinson, joined the Darlington children for a mass warm up, and sounded the horn to begin the run.

Ms Shakes-Drayton explained the benefits of the campaign: “The more fun running is for children, the better the experience and GO Run For Fun provides the chance to do just that,” she said.

“If they enjoy it you never know where it might end up, we might find Britain’s best talent for the future.”

Paul Foreman, Move More Manager at Healthy Darlington, added: “We are delighted and extremely honoured to be hosting the first ever Go Run for Fun event at Eastbourne Sports Complex.

“The campaign aims to inspire children to be active, and fully supports our aims of getting the young people of Darlington moving more.”