Story added: 10th November 2026

Pupils go the extra mile to raise £10,000 in school running challenge

More than 3,000 pupils and hundreds of staff from all 12 schools across Evolution Academy Trust laced up their trainers as part of a hugely successful fundraising challenge organised and delivered by the Community Sports Foundation.

The Run Evolution Academy Trust series built on the Foundation’s Run Norwich Schools Challenge, an initiative that brings the excitement, energy and community spirit of Run Norwich directly into schools, inspiring pupils to get active while raising vital funds for their school and the Community Sports Foundation.

Over the course of the series Foundation staff worked alongside teachers and leaders from all schools within the Trust to deliver memorable events that inspired children through teamwork, personal achievement and celebrating inclusion for all. Children aged from two to 11 joined together on the start line and helped champion active lifestyles throughout their school communities.

Esmé and Flossie, Year 5 pupils from Filby Primary School, said: “We thought Run Filby was a brilliant event! Everyone showed fantastic sportsmanship and enthusiasm, and it was lovely to see all the children cheering each other on and offering so much encouragement. There was a real sense of teamwork and everyone gave it their best. It was also great to be part of an event that raised money for two good causes.”

As well as inspiring pupils to be active, the series has left a lasting impact by raising over £10,000. Half of the funds raised will go to the individual schools, contributing to their own school projects, including a trip to the pantomime, whilst the remaining half will support the Foundation’s valuable work across the region.

The success of the series was made possible thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the Foundation’s Fundraising and Schools teams, who travelled across Norfolk and Suffolk to deliver each event, supported by committed staff within each school visited.

Reflecting on the series, Emma Fletcher-Dungay, Head of Fundraising at the Community Sports Foundation said: “The Run Evolution Academy Trust Series has been an incredible celebration of what can be achieved when schools come together around a shared goal. To see more than 3,000 pupils and hundreds of staff members take part across all 12 schools was truly inspiring.

I’d like to thank every pupil, member of staff and volunteer who embraced the challenge with such enthusiasm. The funds raised will make a real difference, and we’re proud to have helped create so many positive experiences for people across the Evolution Academy Trust.”

Ed Savage, Executive Headteacher of Angel Road Schools, said: “Working in partnership with the Community Sports Foundation for Run Angel Road has been a great opportunity for our children to engage in physical activity, taking inspiration from Run Norwich. We were so impressed by the children’s effort and enjoyment at our event; it was a chance for us all to come together to raise money by either walking, jogging or running the course and to then celebrate our successes together as a school community.”

Theia, a pupil from Wensum Junior School, said: “The run was really inclusive, and everyone was cheering each other on”, while fellow student Kacie said: “I really enjoyed giving people high fives and seeing the pride on their faces.”

The Run Evolution Academy Trust Series demonstrates the power of partnership in creating opportunities for young people to be active, build confidence and support their school and the wider community. Congratulations to every pupil, teacher and supporter who helped make the series a memorable success.