The Stig 1km Running Challenge

DASSA (Dubai Affiliated School Sport Association) have been running a virtual 1km running competition across schools in Dubai this term and some of our DESS athletes have been successful in placing on the top 5 boys and top 5 girls leaderboard in their age category.

Students in years 4-6 have been completing a 1km run in the mornings before school, and at home, with the aim of improving their running times over the past few weeks. The event was socially-distanced throughout with students setting off at different time intervals and 2m apart, with masks on.

The top 5 boys and girls in years 4-6 at DESS were then invited to chase ‘The Stig’ around our school field with the aim of improving their times even more. The Stig (aka Mr Clarkson!) was our chief pace-setter who ran in front of the students to help encourage them to select an appropriate pace. Many of our students successfully went on to beat their own scores as a result – some even running 20 seconds faster!!! - an excellent example to others of what hard work, practice and determination can help you achieve.

Huge congratulations to all runners who completed the 1km run – whether it be at home or within school. It’s a great way to contribute towards your daily 30x30 Dubai Fitness Challenge goal. Particular reference to the top runners in their year group, please see below these athletes who have been awarded 3 house points each and a certificate via email (which can be printed at home).

Year 4: Oliver Webster and Taj Nunn 3:49 and Indi Stephenson 4:25

Year 5: Constantine Theo 3:53 and Thalia O’Reilly 4:07

Year 6: William Harper 3:56 and Talia Evanson-Goddard 4:09

You can check for regular updates on the leaderboard which can be found on the Gulf Youth Sport website. See if you can spot any of your friends in the top 5 results.

Well done everyone – keep running and see if you can improve your scores even further!