PE – Mini Marathon

All students in Years 7,8 and 9 recently took part in the Mini London Marathon in the last week of the spring term. 

Students enjoyed learning about the history of the marathon. They heard the story of the Ancient Greek Pheidippides, who is said to have fought in the battle of Marathon and then travelled 26 miles to Athens, to deliver the news of victory. All on consecutive days. He sadly died when he arrived at Athens and only delivered half of the message. In his honour, a 26 mile marathon was made an event at the first modern Olympic Games. The race became 26.2 miles, as we now know it, when the Royal Family wanted to watch the start and finish of the first London marathon from their Royal box. 

 

Inspired by the story of Pheidippides, students were challenged to complete a 2 mile course in their PE lessons, taking them around the perimeter of the St Mary’s site. All students who completed the mini marathon were rewarded with a Pin badge which many are wearing with pride on their blazers. A great opportunity for St Mary’s to be a small part of a global sporting event. 

 

Photos attached. A very energetic finish by Kheira in Year 8 who looked to confuse the finishing tape for a high jump bar!