INEOS’ successful GO Run For Fun campaign to inspire a healthier generation is moving into the classroom.

The campaign to get kids running again has been phenomenally successful since it was launched in the summer of 2013 but INEOS believes it can do more to encourage children to lead healthy, active lifestyles.

Its team are now focusing on supporting schools, initially in the UK, in promoting the importance of getting fitter and eating the right food.

Bite-sized videos and activities, which can become part of lessons, will be offered to schools. Teachers will also be encouraged to set up school running clubs and pupils will be given the chance to become ambassadors to promote the campaign in school.

The GO Run For Fun team will continue to host the free fun runs throughout the UK, but there will be fewer, larger ones.

“It is simply a focus on making the messaging longer lasting,” said Ursula Heath, group communications officer.

GO Run For Fun was founded by INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe amid concerns about the growing obesity crisis among children.

The Global World Health Organisation regards it as one of the most serious global public health challenges for the 21st century. In the UK alone, almost a fifth of four to five-year-olds are overweight.

Since the fi rst event, more than 190,000 children, aged fi ve to 10, have taken part in events spanning the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Italy, Switzerland and Houston, USA.

“And we are still growing,” said Ursula.

Last year the team staged 40 events in the UK.

This year there will be a handful

“But those will be even bigger events,” said Ursula.

Events will continue as normal in mainland Europe and America.