A six-hour run is not child’s play, but it’s what Aintree school council president Jono Ingram is doing to raise money to upgrade the school’s playground.
On October 27 the school is hosting a Colour Run fundraiser where the kids will be sponsored to run laps around the oval.
As a keen trail runner, Mr Ingram decided to join in and give it his own twist.
He’ll run the track along the footpaths around the school and the local sporting precinct from 9am until the end of the school day, finishing the day in the school grounds as part of the Colour Run.
“I’m hoping to run at least 50km throughout the day, and would be thrilled if I could somehow manage 60km,” he said.
“I’m a regular runner who trains weekly for trail ultramarathons… . In this run, the challenge will be the constant pace, the hard concrete surface on my joints and lack of downhills for a faster pace and rest on the muscles. I’ve never run this far on the road/concrete before so this will be a first.”
Mr Ingram said the proposed playground he is raising money for will have play equipment, a large shade sale, connecting footpaths, outdoor seating, and some landscaping.
“The staff at Aintree Primary do an amazing job, led by Principal Simon Cornock. They endured their first year as a school under COVID restrictions, and have seen unprecedented growth in student population throughout their first three years,” he said.
“This growth has been great, but it also throws up plenty of challenges for staff and the facilities… [the playground] is very much required…”.
Mr Ingram is inviting the community to join him for a few laps or donate to his run.
Details: gofund.me/e9d19aeb
