ENTHUSED fitness fans at Chesterton Primary School have helped raise thousands of pounds at the school’s first ever Race For Life.

Pupils of all ages took to the school field to take on the 5km challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK on Thursday, September 27.

A total of 122 pupils pounded the school grounds, near Bicester, complete with trainers and their own personal messages pinned to the backs of their T-shirts.

Headteacher Iain Horner said the young runners ‘were out in force for the event’ ready to go from the minute the school gates opened and itching to tackle the goal of 22 laps around the field.

Schoolchildren from each year group lapped up the autumnal morning and gave their best efforts to make it round the 5k route.

Mr Horner said: “The pupils all had a fantastic time and it was lovely to see them putting in so much effort to run as many laps as possible.

“Some really keen older runners nearly doubled the expected distance and even some of our very youngest pupils made it to the full five kilometres.

“The event certainly brought the whole school together and there were some lovely examples of older pupils - and some teachers - encouraging the younger children to keep going.”

Everyone was treated to an orange after their run thanks to support from Tesco Bicester.

In total the schoolchildren helped to raise £4,354 for Cancer Research UK.

The school council also followed suit in fundraising for MacMillan Cancer Support, by hosting a coffee afternoon later that day which raised more than £200.

Mr Horner said: “There were plenty of proud, smiling faces as the event came to an end and a definite sense of achievement felt by all involved.

“When we all found out the final total of £4,354, we were overwhelmed; it was obviously a cause very close to the hearts of our school community.

“I am extremely proud that the pupils embodied our values of Generosity and Compassion in such a real and meaningful way. It certainly won’t be the last time that we support the Race For Life.”

The school first Race for Life event was masterminded by PE coordinator Donna Rotherham, who also leads the cross country clubs at the village primary school.

As the cross country club has had great success and is proving popular the teacher helped stage the Race For Life event to get more people involved whilst raising money.

The money raised will go towards Cancer Research UK, for details cancerresearchuk.org