Nearly 1,000 children took to the running track at Mile End Stadium yesterday.

East London Advertiser: Children running their daily mile at Mile End stadium yesterday. Picture: Carmen ValinoChildren running their daily mile at Mile End stadium yesterday. Picture: Carmen Valino (Image: Archant)

‘The Daily Mile’ has been introduced in schools across the country to get kids thinking about their mental and physical wellbeing.

With 900 children from more than 17 schools running the mile, Tower Hamlets was the London borough with the best participation.

Not content with being outraced, Tower Hamlets Council’s chief executive, Will Tuckley, ran the mile twice.

He said: “It was fantastic to get out in the fresh air and on the race track with the children. Exercise is so important for children’s mental and physical health.

“Over half of primary schools in the borough have brought the Daily Mile into their school day and teachers have said what a good effect it has on helping children concentrate.”

Thanks to the daily run, children have been able to run longer without losing breath, and behaviour and concentration levels have improved in the classroom.