Children at Wroughton Infants School have been inspired to sign up for the fun run, which forms part of the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon.

Organisers of the event visited the school, in Wharf Road, during an assembly last week, to encourage pupils and their families to take part in the big day on Sunday, October 12.

People of all ages can enter the two-mile fun run, though under eight-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult who has also entered the event.

Jan Hall, PE co-ordinator, said: "After the assembly the children were so enthusiastic.

"Everyone was talking about it and said to me: We can do that, Mrs Hall.' "We're involved in the Swindon Schools Sports Partnership and have been introducing pupils to all sorts of sports, including gymnastics, tennis, football, athletics, swimming, golf - you name it, we've tried it.

"We have held race events in our athletics afternoon, so this fun run is well within their reach.

"Another initiative has been encouraging children to be active during the lunch hour. On top of that we have reached the goal of providing children with two hours of quality PE a week."

And it's not just pupils at the school who are limbering up for some action.

Reception teacher Anna Maguire and administration assistant Paul Lawton-Archer are also planning to enter the half marathon, sponsored by Nationwide and organised by Swindon Council. Paula said: "I ran my first half marathon in March, but this one will be a bit more of a challenge as I hear the course is rather hilly.

"Running gives you a real sense of achievement - I'm looking forward to the event."

The event organisers will be visiting various schools across the borough, highlighting the benefits of running.

Coun Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Recreation, said: "It's great that children at Wroughton Infants School are keen to take part in the fun run.

"You don't have to run the half marathon to be part of the day - there really is an event for people of all ages and abilities.

"I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to get active and join in the festivities."

The Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon is open to all adults and the five-mile multi-terrain run is open to participants aged 15 and above.

For more information about any of the events visit the website www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk or telephone (01793) 511033.