Making this year's run free for everyone

Jane Tomlinson’s ‘Run for All’ and Arena Group are encouraging kids across the region to get their trainers on and show the grown ups how it’s done!

Held in conjunction within Leeds Half Marathon, this is the UK's biggest free children's event of its kind, and has been made possible by Arena.

Pupils from Leeds West Academy and Raynville Primary today helped Mike Tomlinson, Tommo the mascot, and Arena's Adrian Fitzpatrick launch this year’s event by getting the training started in preparation.

Mike Tomlinson said: “Jane’s wish was always to create a real ‘Run For All’ and by providing an event which is for children is a great way to get everyone involved in sport and thanks to Arena we can go one better and provide the opportunity for free.”

Adrian Fitzpatrick said, “It is a great honour for Arena to be associated with the inspirational Jane Tomlinson and her appeal and we are delighted to be able to help make Jane and Mike’s dream come true by removing the cost barrier, allowing each and every child the chance to run, have fun and hopefully get bitten by the healthy living bug.

Because Arena does so much business in the education sector, our CSR policy is focussed on children, therefore this sponsorship deal is a perfect fit. It gives us a great opportunity to promote healthy living and to encourage child participation in sport.”

This year children are being encouraged to fundraise for their own school or for Jane's Appeal. All money raised for Jane's Appeal will go towards the refurbishment of the Children’s waiting area in the Paediatric x-ray and ultra sound department at Leeds General Infirmary. Children throughout the region visit the department and with the support of runners we can help to make the experience just a bit brighter.

More information and details on how to register for the 2010 Jane Tomlinson’s Arena Group Junior Run and Mini Fun Run and of the School Challenge can be found at www.runforall.com