IN this Olympic year Tavistock district primary school pupils will be setting their own herculean goals – to run a half marathon, in bite sized chunks.

In a bid to give young children some fun and greater fitness Tavistock Junior Athletic Club and the Active Villages project have teamed up to get pupils in their running shoes.

The Tavy 13 Primary Challenge will give every key stage 2 pupil the chance to run a half marathon over 12 weeks, with the final 1.2 miles being run on the same day as the Tavistock Half Marathon 2012, on April 15. After completion each runner will receive the Tavy 13 medal and T-shirt. There will also be certificates awarded — silver after five miles have been completed and gold after ten miles.

Every participant will be given a running activity log book which will record the amount of miles run. Each participating school will organise a weekly running group during term time from January until the end of March. Every week the distance run will be added to the personal total and the main challenge is to try to reach a total of 12 miles by the end of March. Running the final 1.1 miles on 15 April will be the final icing on the cake – the full half marathon!

The challenge, being support by West Devon Borough Council, is for all the primary schools in the Tavistock district. Leisure and recreation officer Hannah Colston says: 'By giving our West Devon children the opportunity to be involved in the Tavy 13 and soak up the atmosphere on the day, it is hoped we will install that passion and enjoyment to keep them running into their adult lives. Come on runners take the challenge.'

The cost to enter is only £5 and entry forms can be picked up from all primary schools. For more information, contact Mhairi McCall on 07803594962.