What is The Daily Mile?
The Daily Mile is simple and free and gets children out of the classroom for fifteen minutes every day to run or jog, at their own pace, with their classmates, when the teacher chooses, making them fitter, healthier, and more able to concentrate in the classroom. There’s no teacher training, set up, tidy up, or equipment required and it’s fully inclusive; every child, whatever their circumstances, age or ability, succeeds at The Daily Mile!
We recently published a webinar all about the Daily Mile, and how to implement it, which you can access here.
Why should you implement The Daily Mile in your school?
The Daily Mile is a fun, social, and non-competitive activity that boosts fitness, supports healthy weight, enhances classroom focus, fosters positive attitudes toward exercise, and strengthens peer and teacher relationships. Children often feel calmer after taking part!
Take a look at our infographic on the impact of The Daily Mile in Essex here.
How to Sign Up to The Daily Mile?
If your school doesn’t currently participate in The Daily Mile, sign up using the link below to receive a welcome pack, 1:1 support and a chance to enter termly competitions! Once signed up, schools have the opportunity to receive free resources including maps, worksheets and stickers to complete the latest campaign.
World Mental Health Day: Friday 10th October 2025
This World Mental Health Day, why not combine your Daily Mile with a meaningful conversation?
Active Essex and The Active Essex Foundation are offering free conversation topic cards to help pupils walk, talk, and connect.
We’re inviting Primary and Secondary schools to take part in a special Walk & Talk session using our 10 themed conversation cards, designed to spark thoughtful discussions and promote emotional wellbeing.
Let’s get moving and talking — because mental health matters: Click here for more information and to get involved.
New Campaign: Get To Know Essex – Coming Soon!
Discover Essex’s rich heritage with the Active Essex Daily Mile: Get to Know Essex challenge, a 28-day journey promoting movement, wellbeing, and local learning!
Inspired by England’s largest history and culture festival, this campaign invites you to walk, jog, or run your daily mile through 14 iconic locations shaped by Ancient Britons, Romans, Vikings, and more. Uncover fun facts and create a vibrant map of your adventure!
The first 50 schools to register will receive FREE activity packs, including maps, fact sheets, and stickers.
Share your journey with us via email and on social media to earn a special achievement certificate and to be entered into a prize draw!
Facebook: @ActiveEssex Instagram: @findyouractive Email: [email protected]
Sign up to the Get To Know Essex Campaign by the using the form below – Deadline 31 October 2025
Your school must be signed up with The Daily Mile National Programme in order to access the Active Essex Campaign, sign up here.
Country Parks team up with The Daily Mile
The Daily Mile is now featured in five Country Parks across the county. What better way to enjoy some quality family time than a walk in nature? Head to your local country park and complete the route using the handy maps below. Don’t forget to tag us in your pictures!
Junior parkrun
Looking to get your kids involved in your local junior parkrun? 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:
