Leighton-Linslade School Sports Partnership Schools Join Forces for 2026 Run 4 Fun

Hundreds of local youngsters dashed into action as part of the annual Leighton-Linslade School Games fun run at Astral Park Sports and Community Centre.

At the start line were young runners from 17 local schools: St Leonards Lower, Heathwood Lower, Rushmere Park Academy, Beaudesert Lower, Clipstone Brook Lower, Linslade Lower, Mary Bassett Lower, Southcott Lower, Greenleas, Edlesborough Primary, Eaton Bray Academy, Swallowfield Primary, Husborne Crawley Lower, Stanbridge Lower, Hockliffe Lower, and Leedon Lower.

Pupils took part in four categories – key stage 1 boys and girls, and key stage 2 boys and girls – while older pupils from Vandyke Upper and Leighton Middle School volunteered as marshals, encouraging and running alongside the youngsters and helping every child reach the finish line.

With airhorns blasting, Alex Mayer MP and Town Mayor David Bligh formally kicked off the latest edition of the Run 4 Fun, as proud parents roared on the town’s rising athletes. Every young runner received a special medal at the finish line.

It’s all part of the Schools Games Programme run by the Leighton-Linslade School Sports Partnership bringing together all local primary, secondary and special schools to boost sports opportunities for young people in Leighton Buzzard, Linslade, and Woburn Sands.

Since its creation over 20 years ago, the partnership has delivered more than 95 events per year, like the Run 4 Fun aimed at keeping children in the town fit and healthy through exercise.

Keen to get for local youngsters to be active, Alex Mayer MP said: “It is fantastic to see so many enthusiastic Leighton Buzzard and Linslade youngsters taking part in this year’s Run 4 Fun. With plenty of parks and green spaces, plus places like the track at Astral Park there are many places to stay active on the doorstep. That’s so important when it comes to boosting both young people’s physical and mental health. 

“A big thank you to the Leighton Linslade School Sports Partnership and the young leaders at Vandyke and Leighton Middle schools for putting on such a great event for everyone to enjoy.”

Fewer than half of children in Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard constituency are as physically active as the UK’s Chief Medical Officer recommends.  Studies show physically active children are happier and more confident.

Press release supplied by the Leighton-Linslade School Sports Partnership and MP Alex Mayer’s office. Photographs by Vanessa Champion Photography.