IF you are looking for runaway success stories, look no further than the faces of these children who are the latest kids to be inspired to run for fun by INEOS.

They covered the 2km distance – and had a wonderful time – at London’s iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in June.

Among those championing INEOS’ campaign on the day were Olympians Denise Lewis and Colin Jackson.

“GO Run For Fun has come such a long way since September 2013,” said Colin. “The campaign has reached an amazing milestone with over 200,000 children from seven countries taking part.”

INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe founded GO Run For Fun with one simple aim: to encourage children to give the TV a rest, and go outside.

Denise Lewis, who hosted a panel discussion on the importance of encouraging children to be more active and the role played by parents, teachers and government, described GO Run For Fun as a wonderful, fun initiative.

“I have been involved in sport all my life but I got into it because it was fun,” she said. “INEOS is doing a fantastic job.”

Schools report healthy start to INEOS' pilot project

INEOS’ campaign to breed a healthier generation has been making friends in the classroom.

In February, 65 primary schools in the UK were chosen to take part in a pilot project.

“We wanted to create something fun for the kids with a serious message,” said John Mayock.

The results of the pilot project are now in and the feedback from pupils and teachers has been incredibly positive.

“It has been really encouraging,” said John. “We are now analysing the results to determine the next steps to roll out this exciting programme to other international sites.”

As part of the GO Run For Fun Education Programme project, two children from each of the 65 schools were chosen as Special Agents to encourage their 19,500 classmates to eat healthier foods and lead more active lives.

The ‘agents’ were tasked with guiding their friends on different missions each week in the run-up to a 2km GO Run For Fun event.

“The idea was to show children the real benefits of leading a healthy and active lifestyle,” said John.

Part of the message was to encourage kids to give sugar a run for its money – and start drinking more water.

Missions could be completed at break time, during lunch or in the classroom.

“That was important because it gives teachers flexibility,” said John.

INEOS decided to launch its health and wellbeing educational programme after it was often asked by schools, which were planning to take part in a GO Run For Fun event, for advice on improving fitness and healthy eating.

INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe initially commissioned 12 short films, featuring the GO Run For Fun mascot Dart.

Since then it has been reaching out to teachers to continue the good work back in the classroom, long after the race is over.

“GO Run For Fun has become so much more than just a fun run now,” said John.