The people, campaigns, research and updates making an impact in our running community this month
UK KIDS NEED TO GET MOVING
New figures show levels of daily movement are far too low
The Active Lives Children and Young People Survey, recently released by Sport England, has shown that fewer than half of children are meeting the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of taking part in an average of 60 minutes or more of sports and physical activity a day.
The new research also showed that inequalities remain in regard to activity and ethnicity, with black and Asian children less likely to play sport, and girls less likely to be active than boys.
Ali Oliver MBE, the Youth Sport Trust Chief Executive said: “This new release from Sport England shows that, in the past year, there has been little change to the activity levels of young people within England, and inactivity levels remain persistently high.
“This year, we have seen the release of a new Government Sports Strategy, and two years of confirmed funding for schools via the PE and Sport Premium for Primary Schools. However, it is clear there is much work to do. As this data shows, almost four million children are still not physically active for at least 60 minutes each day.”
Daily movement is essential for physical and mental health, and play is fundamental for social development. The Youth Sport Trust is a UK-leading children’s charity for improving young people’s wellbeing through sport and play. It empowers young people and equips educators to transform lives. Visit the website for ideas, tips and information at youthsporttrust.org
89% of Brits say they’re happy and healthy, making them top of Europe
(According to a study carried out by IPSOS and commissioned by wellness experts Herbalife, ir.herbalife.com)
IF YOU CAN’T RUN,WALK
The Polar 2023: Reflected report has revealed that walking is the second most tracked activity globally.
Walking made up nearly 16% of all tracked workouts by Polar users. On average, users in all age groups log 2.73 miles (4.4K) per walk in 65 minutes, the pace and amount needed for gaining health benefits by walking.
The figures compare well to the pace and cadence suggested by a review of walking studies published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, where researchers found brisk walking required a pace of about 2.7 miles (4.3K) per hour.
In 2023, running was another of the most popular sports. Tracked runners did an average of 4.84 miles (7.8K). And for thos
