Released on = November 10, 2006, 1:33 am

Press Release Author = Felicity Amer

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = The 2006 Tesco Great School Run has claimed an official
entry into the Guinness World Records Book thanks to the hard work of thousands of
children across the UK and Ireland.

Press Release Body = The Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous walk or
run was smashed when over 242,000 children in thousands of schools crossed the
finish line on Wednesday 21 June earlier this year.



During that day Marathon World Champion and World Record Holder, Paula Radcliffe,
visited schools via helicopter in Leicestershire, London and her old school in
Bedford - to give children encouragement and expert running tips.



The official certificate presentation took place at St Joseph's Junior School in
Upper Norwood, London, just a short distance away from where the London Olympics
will be taking place in six years time. On-hand to congratulate staff and children
across the UK and Ireland was Rt Hon Richard Caborn MP, Minister for Sport.



Praising all of the participants, the Minister for Sport said: "The world record is
a massive achievement for a project only in its second year. Huge congratulations to
all the children, teachers and parents that took part. In the run up to the 2012
Olympics it's vitally important that children are encouraged to participate in
physical activity and the Tesco Great School Run is a fantastic initiative that
schools everywhere can get involved in."



The Tesco Great School Run is an annual initiative which is free for schools to
register, and was launched in 2005. The scheme involves a five-week health and
education programme that culminates in a two-kilometre fun run, which was held this
year on Wednesday 21 June.



Children were invited to take part in the event as a fun exercise and to encourage
them to think more about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity as
part of a balanced lifestyle.



Debra Stones, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tesco, said: "We would like to
take this opportunity to thank everyone across the UK and Ireland that took part in
the Tesco Great School Run.



"We are extremely pleased to be awarded a new Guinness World Record, this
achievement shows that the programme is a great way of combining sport and learning,
to show youngsters the way to a healthier lifestyle.



"We look forward to seeing everyone again next year, and hopefully having even more
children taking part!"



Hundreds of schools went the extra mile and created their own unique events such as
family fun days, fundraising events and sports days to coincide with Wednesday 21
June.



Amarilis Espinoza, Press Officer at the Guinness World Records, added: "The Tesco
Great School Run is now the World's largest ever simultaneous walk or run.



"We have been so impressed with the level of commitment from everyone involved, so
it is very fitting that the race should receive an official entry into the Guinness
World Records Book. Congratulations to everyone that took part!"



For information on the Tesco Great School Run and to register for 2007 visit:
www.greatschoolrun.org



Web Site = http://www.greatschoolrun.org

Contact Details = Media enquiries: Contact Felicity Amer or Amy Davison on 0191 281
8833