Youngsters are gearing up to run the equivalent of a half marathon mile in the Run Hackney Schools Challenge.

The initiative was launched today at Millfields in Lower Clapton to encourage primary children to run 12 miles, by running a mile a week in the lead up to the race on May 10 and complete the distance by running the final 1.1 miles through the finishing arch at Hackney Marshes.

Cllr Jonathan McShane, who came up with the idea for the inaugural Run Hackney race last year, urged more children to take part this year.

“The children’s event at the Run Hackney Half Marathon is a real highlight of the day,” he said.

“You can tell by their faces as they cross the finish line that they realise they’ve done something good.

“They enjoy the end of the race just as much as the adults: they go through the same finish, they have the crowds cheering them home and they are given the same medal.

“It’s a really special day for the children and something for them to remember. Running regularly makes the children think more about sport and the event makes for a very special day.”