And four more countries are due to host GO Run For Fun events in 2020

FOUR new countries will host GO Run For Fun events in 2020. Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Brazil will all be championing the INEOS campaign which was launched by chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe to encourage children to be more healthy and active.

Since 2013, more than 330,629 children from 11 countries have taken part in 439 showcase events.

“We celebrate every child who takes part, whether they are first, last or somewhere in between,” said Amy Tayler, manager of the INEOS GO Run For Fun project.

She said all the events were only made possible, though, thanks to an army of volunteers who helped to stage them.

Sir Jim, who is deeply passionate about running, said it had never been more important to inspire children to exercise more and eat healthier food.

The World Health Organization said the latest figures showed 41 million children, aged 0 to 5, were classed as overweight or obese in 2016.

“That has increased from 32 million globally in 1990,” said a spokesman.

At least six new GO Run For Fun events will be staged next year in new locations close to INEOS sites.