What is The Daily Mile?

The Daily Mile is a simple, free initiative designed to improve children’s physical and mental wellbeing. It involves getting children outside to walk, jog, or run for 15 minutes every day during school time. No special equipment or clothing is needed—just a safe outdoor space.

Core Principles: QUICK, INCLUSIVE and FUN!

Who’s it for?

The Daily Mile is primarily for primary school-aged children, but it can be adapted for nurseries, secondary schools, and even whole communities. It’s inclusive, non-competitive, and suitable for all abilities, making it easy for every child to take part.

Why should you take part?

Improves Physical Health: Just 15 minutes a day helps boost fitness and supports a healthy weight.
Enhances Mental Wellbeing: Children often feel calmer and more focused after taking part.
Supports Learning: Increased concentration and better classroom engagement.
Inclusive & Easy: No equipment, no extra planning—every child can take part.
Builds Positive Habits: Encourages lifelong attitudes toward exercise and wellbeing.
Strengthens Community: Activates outdoor spaces and tackles health inequalities.

It’s simple, free, and proven to make a big difference for pupils, schools, and communities.

Calendar Of Activities

The Daily Mile has lots of exciting campaigns and opportunities throughout the year for schools and communities to get involved in! Check out the Calendar of Activities to see what is coming up here!

Get Involved in the National Campaign

If your school doesn’t currently participate in The Daily Mile, sign up in order become a part of the Daily Mile Community. You will then be invited to get involved, receiving a welcome pack, access to resources, support, and guidance to make the most of these initiatives.

The Daily Mile – Greater Essex Approach

To further support the implementation of The Daily Mile, Active Essex works collaboratively with schools, strategic partners, community groups, and local networks in a place-based approach. Our aim is to maximise the impact of the initiative by addressing health inequalities, creating community opportunities, and aligning with wider campaigns. By evolving The Daily Mile beyond its original concept, we strive to build a strong and lasting legacy for Greater Essex.

Active Essex Maps and Resources

Explore our Active Essex Daily Mile campaigns and resources to help you keep momentum and inspiration alive in your setting. Download the flyers for more information on each resource. Contact our CYP Team with your chosen resources, and we’ll post them to you: [email protected]

Get to know Essex (Available Now)

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Hike Through Our History (Available Now)

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Daily Mile Destinations (Available Now)

Walk and Talk (Available Now)

Invincible Mile - IN CREATION COMING SOON

Early Years Movement Mile - IN CREATION COMING SOON

Park Run Primary and Junior Park Run

Park Run offers an initiative aiming to deepen connections with schools and local junior parkrun events to support the development of a lifelong love of movement. Schools that join as a parkrun primary enjoy benefits such as: fostering healthy habits, strengthening community links and supporting education and wellbeing.

Learn more from the parkrun primary brochure

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Park Run Primary - Introduction to schools template

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Junior parkrun across Greater Essex: Junior parkrun is an inclusive, free, weekly event held every Sunday at 9am for children aged between 4 and 14 years old. The goal is to get children more active whether they run, jog, walk, or even skip the 2km distance! Find your nearest Essex Junior parkrun below.

Chelmsford Juniors

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Lake Meadows Juniors

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Northlands Juniors

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Hawkwell Juniors

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Burnham Riverside Juniors

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Maldon Prom Juniors

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Great Notley Juniors

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Harlow Juniors

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Roding Valley Juniors

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Colchester Juniors

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Clacton Juniors

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Cliff Park Juniors

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Community Opportunities

Keep the Daily Mile strong in your community by exploring opportunities from family walks in Essex Country Parks to local events and clubs.

Hadleigh Country Park

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Danbury Country Park

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Great Notley Country Park

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Belhus Woods Country Park

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Garon Park

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Get in touch!

Emma Alderman

Relationship Development Officer - West

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 07557168008

Active Essex
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