The Liverpool South Central School Sports Partnership held the Redgrave Trust 2006/7 Primary Schools Duathlon launch at St Margaret's C of E High School on Tuesday 10th October 2006.

Year 5/6 pupils from primary schools in the partnership were invited to participate in the event which was sponsored by the British Heart Foundation. Pupils were asked to raise sponsorship money using the BHF forms with a prize being awarded to the pupil raising the most.

Schools who took part were:

Name of School No. of Pupils
1 St Charles' Primary School 30
2 St Michael in the Hamlet 30
3 Our Lady of Good Help 30
4 Ashfield Special School 10
5 Mosspits Juniors 30
6 New Park Primary 30
7 King David Primary 30
8 St Cleopas Primary 30
9 St Anthony of Padua 20

40 Junior Sports Leaders marshalled the event with the support of SSCo's from the partnership. Their responsibilities included timing, recording, changeover, support around the field, team managers and motivators.

The event was relatively simple to organize. The bikes, helmets, t-shirts, medals, certificates, marshals jackets were all provided by the BHF & St Mary's College.

To support the smooth running of the event a practice run took place the week before the actual event, ensuring that all JSLA & staff knew what their role was.

The only elements of the event that the partnership needed to provide was transport for schools, a venue, staffing & schools to take part. Winners from the event were given free entry to the Sefton Triathlon in June.

The Duathlon provided a new way for children to compete against other children with a range of abilities. This event is definitely inclusive and readily adaptable for all ages!! It also appeals to children who would not normally take part in a running competition but because of the cycling element they were more interested in having a go!

The Duathlon proved to be a massive success with the schools and pupils involved, so much so that a secondary competition is being organized for this summer prior to the Sefton Triathlon and it is intended that the Duathlon will become an annual event.