Children at Warberry C of E Academy completed more than 400 miles in a whole-school challenge after being inspired by their headteacher’s London Marathon achievement.
Pupils, staff and families at the Torquay school joined forces to raise money for a new woodland-themed library designed to encourage children to discover new books and authors.
The fundraising campaign combined two of the school’s biggest priorities — reading and physical activity — with children taking part in an ‘Active Challenge Weekend’ featuring cycling, walking, skipping, dancing, swimming and running.
Headteacher Steve Bone also led by example after completing his first London Marathon in a time of three hours and three minutes.
The challenge ended with a whole-school event where pupils and staff spent 20 minutes walking and running laps around the school grounds.
Together, the school community completed 2,372 laps — the equivalent of more than 400 miles or over 15 marathons in a single morning.
More than £1,500 has already been raised towards the project, with donations still being made through the school’s fundraising page.
The money will help redesign the school library with new flooring, bookcases, décor and a wider selection of books.
The school is planning an official opening for the new space during the next academic year.
Steve Bone, headteacher at Warberry C of E Academy, said: “The children were absolutely incredible throughout the challenge and hearing about their own activities while I was running the London Marathon genuinely kept me going.
“The atmosphere around the school has been fantastic and it has been wonderful to see children so enthusiastic about both being active and supporting reading at the same time.
“We are hugely grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign so far.”
Steve added: “Our vision is to create a calm, welcoming and imaginative space where children can relax, explore new stories and develop a genuine love of reading.
“The support from our families and wider community has been amazing.”
Tracey Cleverley, trust lead at the Learning Academy Partnership, said: “Warberry C of E Academy has shown incredible energy, creativity and community spirit through this challenge.
“It has been inspiring to see pupils, staff and families come together around two things that are at the heart of school life here, reading and being active.
“The fact that the children have collectively covered over 400 miles is an outstanding achievement and a real reflection of their enthusiasm and determination.
“We are so proud of Mr Bone for leading by example and completing the London Marathon, which clearly sparked real excitement across the school.”
