Once you have decided on your route you need to measure it to determine the distance (1km, 1.5km or 2km) you think is achievable for your school. This can be done with the children as part of a classroom activity by using a sports tape or a trundle wheel. To link measuring your route with curriculum work, you may like to try one of the exercises in your teacher’s guide.

The type of route and distance you choose will be dependent upon the type of facilities available at your school, as well as the age and ability of the children taking part.

Circular routes

This option offers the advantage of having the start and finish in the same place. These are most suitable when only a small space is available, or there aren’t many staff to help with the event. Be careful to manage the flow of children at the start/finish, bearing in mind the numbers taking part.

Horseshoe routes

These are similar to circular ones but different in that the finish area is a short distance from the original start site. These are suitable routes for schools that have access to larger areas such as playing fields or a park and for runs where larger numbers of children are taking part at any one time.

Point to Point routes

This involves the children starting and finishing in different locations. This format reduces congestion, but needs more staff to manage the areas. It can be difficult to organise the children and get them from the finish line back to the school building.

Indoor facilities

If outdoor facilities are not available, or the weather is not kind on the day, an indoor hall can easily be used. This can be used for laps (using the circular route format) or a back-to-back shuttle-style route. A shuttle route will involve children running from wall to wall until the desired distance is covered.