What better way to celebrate the upcoming Olympics and inspire countless classrooms from across the region, than to launch the first-ever South West’s Fastest Teacher competition? And, judging by the entries so far this is set to be quite the competition with Olympic runners, Ironmen and World Aquathlon champions just some among the entries received so far!
Here at The Maynard School in Exeter we are inviting teachers who enjoy running to step up to the starting line and pit themselves against other local runners, share their love for the sport, and ultimately compete for the title of South West’s Fastest Teacher with a final being held as part of The Balmy Bicton 10K race in July.
The school has partnered with the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset Schools Athletic associations in the hope that this new initiative reaches teachers from the furthest corner of Cornwall, right up to the bright lights of Bristol.
“Regardless of who reaches the final, it’s so positive to see entries coming in from educators of all levels of fitness and with different motivations for taking part,” says Liz Gregory, Head at The Maynard and an accomplished runner in her own right. “Some want to support their school, some want to be a good role model for the young people in their life, and some are looking to get active for their own health and wellbeing.
“Winning is a big draw, but this competition really hits on the idea that almost anyone can pick up a pair of running shoes and enjoy the fresh air. It sets an excellent example for children to get out and about this summer.”
THE ENTRIES SO FAR – what a gifted bunch!
Entries are already red hot with schools from across the region tripping over their trainers to support the competition! We’re delighted so far to have:
- A guide runner for Sydney Paralympian, Tracey Hinton, who won two bronzes (200m and 400m) and a silver in the 800m.
- The winner of the recent Exeter Half Marathon.
- The World Aquathlon Champion in 2022.
- A recent bronze medallist in the Cornish Grand Prix series.
- Countless marathon runners, ultra distance runners, and Ironmen.
- But, just as importantly as our more accomplished athletes, the entries are filled with more Corinthian runners who just want to set the very best example possibly to their students.
“Winning (although unlikely, looking at the current entrants) would be incredible, but the real win is inspiring my students to prioritise their wellbeing,” said Ben Stradling from Chilthorne Domer Church School in Somerset. A sentiment very much upheld by so many of our wonderful entrants.
HOW TO ENTER
Teachers of any running ability are encouraged to enter on our website, where you can also look up all the other runners so far. Entrants are asked to submit a time for a 5K, 10K or half marathon result that they have already completed, then the fastest men and women will be invited to attend the live final at The Balmy Bicton 10K race on Sunday 7th July 2024, with places pre-booked and paid for by The Maynard. Winners will take home prizes and that all-important title of ‘The Fastest Teacher in the South West’.
To find out more and enter, click HERE.
