Northcliffe Park in Shipley will launch a new series of races aimed at primary school children next Wednesday.

Recent national headlines project frightening levels of obesity with adverse impacts on health.

The new North Bradford Primary School Running League aims to offer the younger generation opportunities to enjoy exercise in a safe and fun environment.

St Walburga’s primary in Shipley is hosting the first race (November 4, at 4pm), with assistance from St Bede’s AC.

Helen Love, one of the mothers, but also a St Bede’s club member and qualified coach, has led a running group at the school for several years, with the limit of 35 children always reached.

Future league runs are planned for February at Bradford Grammar School, and in March at a Baildon school, with help from Baildon Runners.

The model is a successful league in Ilkley and draws on Junior Ilkley Harriers’ assistance.

Primary Schools in the Shipley, Baildon and north Bradford areas are being invited to send children aged seven and upwards.

The schools liaison is being done by Tony Kingham from Bradford Schools AA (tonykingham@blueyonder.co.uk).

Any children who get the bug from this league can then take part in challenge runs throughout the winter, under the colours of either Baildon Runners or St Bede’s.

These take place on November 8 at Golden Acre Park near Adel; December 5 at Trinity & All Saints College, Horsforth (Hunger Hill woods); January 17 at Nell Bank centre, Ilkley; January 31 at John Smeaton school in Crossgates, east Leeds; and the final run at Immanuel School in Idle.

In the spring and summer plans are afoot to supplement the winter outdoor runs by some fun indoor Sportshall athletics at the Richard Dunn centre.

Meanwhile, preparations are starting for a similar league next year for primary schools in East Bradford.

Eccleshill Road Runners and Bradford-Airedale AC are helping develop lunchtime or afterschool groups at several schools in East Bradford.

For further details contact Stephen Wolstenholme on 01274-631977.