The Golden Kilometre challenge, where primary school children complete a kilometre a day at their own pace, could make a difference for life new research suggests

A group of school children engage in physical activity — Pupils and staff from Wessex Gardens Primary School in Golders Green

New research from Middlesex University suggests that Barnet’s Golden Kilometre challenge, where primary school children in the borough complete a kilometre every day through walking jogging or running, could encourage children to be more physically active throughout their lives.

Middlesex University PHD student Shannah Anico worked with Barnet Council’s Public Health team to study with Wessex Gardens and St Martins, two of the borough’s primary schools. Pupils recorded their physical activity, completed a lifestyle questionnaire and had their body fat, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference monitored. Anico also interviewed teachers and children about their attitudes towards physical activity.

Results showed a “significant improvement” in body fat, BMI and fundamental movement skills. The study also showed that the Golden Kilometre can develop children’s ‘physical literacy’, which means the motivation, confidence, knowledge and understanding to value and take part in physical activity for life.

According to Anico, it’s important at primary school age that children learn to build a healthy relationship with physical activity and enjoy it. “Too many children leave school with a negative experience of exercise and physical education in general and that’s what stops children being able to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle into adulthood.”

“If you see an improvement in physical literacy that person is more likely to take part in physical activity for life,” Anico said, stressing that the individual needs and abilities of childen should be considered within the challenge. “The Barnet Golden Kilometre challenge could have a positive lasting impact if children’s needs are met. What children really enjoyed was the 15 minutes of daily exercise and the freedom they had to decide whether they walked, jogged or ran at their own pace.”

Barnet councillor Caroline Stock launched the Golden Kilometre challenge in 2014 in response to statistics that showed nearly a third of children aged two to 15 were obese in the borough. She said “This scheme has encouraged thousands of children to become more active and is clearly a beneficial activity which has made a real difference and we are hoping to encourage news schools to come on board in future.”

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