News
The Daily Mile in Wales 2025
29/12/2025 00:00, In Blog /
What a year it’s been for The Daily Mile! Reflecting on our progress and achievements fills us with enthusiasm and excitement for continued growth and engagement across Wales.
This year, 58 new schools registered for The Daily Mile, bringing the total number of registered schools in Wales to 679 — that’s 54% of all primary schools in the country!
We were thrilled that the award for Most Influential Campaign at the WSA Awards went to Welsh Athletics, recognising our work with The Daily Mile across Wales. Participation continues to grow thanks to the inspiring teachers who prioritise children’s health and wellbeing. It was wonderful to be joined on the night by some of these dedicated teachers who champion The Daily Mile in their schools and to hear firsthand the positive impact it has on their learners. As proud implementation partners of The Daily Mile in Wales, we remain committed to growing engagement and helping to build lifelong habits of physical activity.
Cath Bingham and James Wiliams celebrating winning the Most Influential Campaign at the WSA Awards
James Williams, CEO at Welsh Athletics, said:
The ambition with The Daily Mile is to get as many young people across Wales to become physically active. We now have 54% of primary schools in Wales signed up, and we hope over the coming years we can work towards every school in Wales having this programme as part of their school day. If we achieve this ambition, then we will be playing a crucial role in creating a healthier, more resilient Wales — with the hope of many, many more young people developing a lifelong love of sport and physical activity.
Run Wales and Welsh Athletics were also delighted to introduce two brand-new awards to celebrate the wonderful Daily Mile community in Wales. Anna Maguire (Trellech Primary) received the School Staff Champion award, and Hafod Primary was awarded Whole School Daily Milers.
Anna Maguire from Trellech Primary celebrating the School Staff Champion Award
We have continued to coordinate visits from politicians to local Daily Mile schools, where they have seen firsthand the benefits for both pupils and staff. Sarah Murphy MS visited Pencoed Primary, where she was warmly welcomed by pupils who showcased their love for The Daily Mile through an interactive presentation — followed by enthusiastic running!
Sarah Murphy MS, visiting Pencoed Primary
Through our partnership with R4W, we piloted an exciting campaign for primary schools across Wales to take part in the Cardiff Half Daily Mile Challenge. Using an online map, schools explored the Cardiff Half route virtually while completing their Daily Mile in their own settings. We are excited for further developments in this space!
During Children’s Mental Health Week, we celebrated the impact The Daily Mile has on children’s wellbeing and heard directly from teachers across our Welsh Daily Mile schools:
“We know that a little movement can make a big difference; just 15 minutes of daily physical activity can boost children’s happiness, focus and confidence.”
“We’ve seen a noticeable improvement in pupils’ mental wellbeing — running or walking together gives our healthy, confident individuals a chance to clear their minds.”
“Keep it flexible — do The Daily Mile when the children need the pause.”
“Taking time to clear worries early in the day helps everyone return to class ready to focus on learning.”