Marathonkids Ireland

Marathon Kids Ireland is an 8-week school-based programme designed to get children moving, smiling, and feeling proud of what they can achieve.

Over the course of the programme, students take part in regular running, jogging, or walking activities, gradually building up their distance to complete a full marathon (26.2 miles) collectively over the eight weeks. The programme is designed to be fun, inclusive, and accessible to children of all abilities, helping to develop fitness, confidence, resilience, and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

Each participating student receives an interactive workbook (available in both English and Gaeilge), while teachers receive a range of support materials, including weekly lesson content, activity resources, and access to video content from Marathon Kids Ireland Ambassador, former European Athletics Champion and Olympian David Gillick. David will also host a series of online sessions with participating schools throughout the programme.

The weekly programme aligns with the SPHE curriculum and explores a range of topics including:

• Healthy Hearts
• The Physical Benefits of Exercise
• The Mental Benefits of Exercise
• The Social Benefits of Exercise
• Community and Wellbeing
• Hydration
• Nutrition
• The Educational Benefits of Exercise

As students progress through the programme, they will track their mileage and celebrate their achievements along the way. Every participant will receive a Marathon Kids Ireland t-shirt and medal in recognition of their accomplishment.

The programme concludes with the Marathon Kids Ireland Final Mile Event, which will take place in Morton Stadium on Wednesday, 18th November 2026. This exciting celebration event brings together participating schools from across the programme to complete their final mile in a fun and inspiring stadium environment, celebrating the hard work, dedication, and achievements of all students throughout the eight-week journey.