The 2006 Tesco Great School Run has claimed an official entry into the Guinness World Records Book thanks to the hard work of thousands of children across the UK and Ireland. 
The Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous walk or run was smashed when over 242,000 children in thousands of schools crossed the finish line on Wednesday 21 June earlier this year. During that day, top Irish athlete, Jolene Byrne, visited schools in Dublin - to give children encouragement and expert running tips. Congratulating schools on the completion of their fun runs, Jolene said: "Race day was a fantastic experience for me as I got to meet so many enthusiastic children. I am thrilled that the initiative has achieved a Guinness World Record which is testament to all the hard work and energy of thousands of school children." The Tesco Great School Run is an annual initiative which is free for schools to register. It involves a five-week fitness and education programme that culminates in a two-kilometre fun run, which was held this year on Wednesday 21 June. Children were invited to take part in the event as a fun exercise and to encourage them to think more about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity as part of a balanced lifestyle. Tesco Ireland Marketing Director, Peter Wright, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone across the UK and Ireland that took part in the Tesco Great School Run. "We are extremely pleased to be awarded a new Guinness World Record, this achievement shows that the race is a great way of combining sport and learning, to show youngsters the way to a healthier lifestyle. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year, and hopefully having even more children taking part!" Hundreds of schools went the extra mile and created their own unique events such as family fun days, fundraising events and sports days to coincide with Wednesday 21 June. 
Amarilis Espinoza, Press Officer at the Guinness Book of World Records, added: "The Tesco Great School Run is the world’s largest ever simultaneous walk or run. "We have been so impressed with the level of commitment from everyone involved, so it is very fitting that the race should receive an official entry into the Guinness World Records Book. Congratulations to everyone that took part!" For information on the Tesco Great School Run visit www.greatschoolrun.org
The Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous walk or run was smashed when over 242,000 children in thousands of schools crossed the finish line on Wednesday 21 June earlier this year. During that day, top Irish athlete, Jolene Byrne, visited schools in Dublin - to give children encouragement and expert running tips. Congratulating schools on the completion of their fun runs, Jolene said: "Race day was a fantastic experience for me as I got to meet so many enthusiastic children. I am thrilled that the initiative has achieved a Guinness World Record which is testament to all the hard work and energy of thousands of school children." The Tesco Great School Run is an annual initiative which is free for schools to register. It involves a five-week fitness and education programme that culminates in a two-kilometre fun run, which was held this year on Wednesday 21 June. Children were invited to take part in the event as a fun exercise and to encourage them to think more about healthy eating and the importance of physical activity as part of a balanced lifestyle. Tesco Ireland Marketing Director, Peter Wright, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone across the UK and Ireland that took part in the Tesco Great School Run. "We are extremely pleased to be awarded a new Guinness World Record, this achievement shows that the race is a great way of combining sport and learning, to show youngsters the way to a healthier lifestyle. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year, and hopefully having even more children taking part!" Hundreds of schools went the extra mile and created their own unique events such as family fun days, fundraising events and sports days to coincide with Wednesday 21 June. Amarilis Espinoza, Press Officer at the Guinness Book of World Records, added: "The Tesco Great School Run is the world’s largest ever simultaneous walk or run. "We have been so impressed with the level of commitment from everyone involved, so it is very fitting that the race should receive an official entry into the Guinness World Records Book. Congratulations to everyone that took part!" For information on the Tesco Great School Run visit www.greatschoolrun.org
