Djanogly City Academy students catch the ‘running bug’

Students at Djanogly City Academy are putting their best feet forward after catching the ‘running bug’.

Around 60 young people from different year groups have joined a school running club, which is aimed at all ages and abilities and has seen numbers steadily grow since it launched.

Training takes place weekly at 7.30am on Friday mornings before the first lesson of that day.

The sessions are held at Forest Recreation Ground on Gregory Boulevard in Forest Fields. All those taking part receive a free breakfast.

The enthusiastic runners are enjoying many benefits from joining the club, which include an increased sense of self confidence and achievement as well as improved fitness.

Staff say the club members will even run when the temperature drops to minus 2 degrees Celsius as well as in the rain and are truly dedicated no matter how cold it is.

Andy Smith, Principal of Djanogly City Academy, said: “It is fantastic to see the enthusiasm that our scholars are showing for the club as more catch the running bug. They attend rain or shine which is impressive, especially given the early start.”

He added: “Nurturing healthy habits and empowering our students to develop attributes such as determination and resilience is part of our ethos.

“Our scholars say that they enjoy the community atmosphere, the chance to make friends from different year groups and the physical and mental health benefits, helping them to get fitter.

“Others have described running as a very peaceful activity which calms them down, puts them in a good mood and helps them to stay on track by starting the school day positively.”

Student Nevelle Angeles, whose career aspiration is to become a runner, and who won the 800 metres last year at the Athletics in the City Schools Tournament, said: “I attend to improve my stamina and running.”

Another student Zakariya Munir, added: “People support us, saying ‘Come on!’ It gives us a sense of belonging in our community.”

Meanwhile Prince Boakye Amoah added: “The distance I can now run has improved massively and I can run faster than before.”

Djanogly City Academy has more than 1,100 scholars aged 11 to 18 years-old based at two sites on Sherwood Rise and Gregory Boulevard, and is Ofsted graded ‘good’.

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Djanogly Learning Trust, added: “In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, every lap conquered helps our young people to develop a strong sense of self and life skills such as discipline, goal setting and perseverance.”

Pictured: Djanogly City Academy students have caught the ‘running bug’.