Schoolchildren maintained their yearly tradition of walking 50 miles in 24 hours.

Year 10 pupils and staff from Morton Academy in Carlisle marked the 47th year of tackling the challenge after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Last month, a group of Year 10 students and teachers at Morton Academy in Carlisle completed an annual 50-mile walk in 24 hours challenge.  

Walkers embarked on a very early start of 6:00 am and were supported by staff members, families and friends along the designated trail – a footpath at Talkin Tarn, Brampton.  

The challenge, otherwise known as the ‘Kennedy March’ was set by the late US President John F. Kennedy and continues to run internationally.  

Successful participants from Morton Academy will be awarded a ‘Kennedy Certificate’ during a special assembly being held in the last week of term. 

Asha, one of the first students to complete the challenge on June 17, said: “I really enjoyed taking part in this year’s 50-mile walk.

“It was definitely a challenge, especially the early start, but it felt very rewarding to reach that finish line. The support from school and family really helped to spur us all on.” 

One inspirational member of the local community, Carrie Salmon, completed the challenge in memory of her late father, who taught at Morton Academy for over thirty years.

Carrie said: “Morton School meant such a lot to my dad so to complete the walk in his memory was very important to me.

“The way everyone welcomed and supported my mum and me on the day would have really touched him.” 

Richard McGuire, Executive Principal at Morton Academy, said: “Congratulations to our fantastic group of students and staff who completed the 2022 50-mile Kennedy walk in 24 hours.

“It was particularly pleasing to witness the entire school community come together to support our walkers, as well as students supporting one another, throughout the challenge. 

“As a long-standing Morton tradition, the challenge falls in line with our commitment to delivering an education with character.

“In taking up this considerable task, each participant has demonstrated admirable commitment, perseverance and belief in their own abilities to succeed.”  
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