Beginner-friendly. Walking counts. No running experience needed.
Beginner-friendly. Walking counts. No running experience needed.
Class to 5K is a 10-week school running challenge designed to help primary school children build confidence, fitness and a positive relationship with movement.
Schools deliver one structured session each week using the free teacher resources. Parents can also choose to join the optional Class to 5K Parent Plan through TrainingPeaks, so families can support the journey at home.
Class to 5K is designed for primary school pupils in Years 3-6.
The programme is flexible, so schools can adapt the distance, pace and final challenge to suit different year groups, ability levels and settings.
No.
The final challenge can be adapted to suit the school, age group and pupils involved. Schools may choose a 2K, 3K or 5K challenge.
Walking, run-walking and shorter distances all count.
The goal is not for every child to run 5K non-stop. The goal is for every child to finish proud.
No.
Class to 5K is built around confidence, consistency and completion, not racing.
Some games include fun, controlled competition, but the main running sections are focused on pacing, effort and confidence.
It means pupils are allowed and encouraged to use walking as part of the programme.
Walk breaks are planned into the sessions because they help children recover, stay in control and build confidence gradually.
Run-walk is not failure. It is part of the method.
Class to 5K was created by fitness and endurance trainer and athlete Coach Jules from HybridFitLife.com.
The programme was designed to help schools deliver a simple, positive and confidence-building running challenge while giving families the option to get involved at home.
Coach Jules, along with his wife Helen, is a long-time Beaver Scout Colony leader in West Lancashire.
Schools receive a complete digital toolkit to launch, deliver and celebrate Class to 5K, including:
Everything is supplied digitally, ready to download, personalise where needed, print and use throughout the licensed academic year.
No.
Teachers do not need running experience to deliver Class to 5K.
The session cards are written in plain English and include clear instructions, timings, set-up notes, safety reminders, adaptations and teacher scripts.
Very little.
Most sessions only need:
Some schools may choose to add extras such as bibs or posters, but these are not essential.
Class to 5K can be delivered on:
Each session includes guidance for indoor or smaller-space delivery.
Most sessions are designed to last around 35-40 minutes.
Each card also includes a 30-minute shortened version if time is limited.
The school programme is built around one school session per week for 10 weeks.
Parents can optionally join the TrainingPeaks parent plan if they want to support the journey at home, but the school is only responsible for delivering the school sessions.
No.
The home sessions are part of the optional parent plan through TrainingPeaks.
Schools do not need to set, track, manage or monitor home sessions.
Yes.
Schools can deliver the free school programme on its own.
Parent involvement adds extra value for families who choose to take part, but the school sessions still work independently.
Class to 5K has been designed for Years 3-6.
Schools can adapt the sessions and final challenge distance depending on age, confidence and ability.
The programme has been written for Years 3-6, but schools may choose to adapt parts of it for younger pupils if they feel it is suitable.
For younger children, shorter distances, more walking and simpler games would usually be more appropriate.
Yes.
Class to 5K is designed to support children who may not see themselves as sporty.
The programme uses gradual run-walk progressions, simple games, regular walk breaks and flexible challenge options.
Confident pupils can still be challenged through the harder lane options, longer run blocks or a longer final distance.
The emphasis remains on control, pacing and consistency rather than racing.
Most sessions include three broad levels:
Explorer
The most accessible option, usually with shorter runs and longer walks.
Adventurer
The standard option for many pupils.
Trailblazer
A slightly more challenging option, usually with longer time moving.
Teachers can choose one lane for the whole class or adapt as needed.
Teachers can:
Consistency matters more than rushing through the plan.
Teachers can:
The focus should still be on smooth, controlled effort, not speed.
Do not panic.
The easiest option is to repeat the previous week or continue from where the class left off.
The programme is designed to be flexible
No.
The core programme is 10 weeks, but schools can adapt the timeline.
Some schools may add extra practice weeks, pause for school events or place the final challenge later in the term.
Week 10 is designed as the final Class to 2K/5K Challenge.
Schools can choose an appropriate distance such as 2K, 3K or 5K, depending on year group, confidence, route, time and space.
No.
The final challenge should be flexible.
For some pupils and schools, 2K may be the right challenge. For others, 3K or 5K may be appropriate.
The key is that pupils complete a meaningful challenge and finish proud.
Yes, if the school chooses to invite them.
The pack includes materials to support a final event, but schools can make this as simple or as big as they want.
Yes.
Class to 5K supports physical activity, confidence, resilience, wellbeing, family engagement and positive attitudes towards movement.
It is not intended as a formal curriculum scheme, but it can support a school’s wider PE, wellbeing and active lifestyle goals.
The resources include risk assessment support and safety notes.
Schools should still follow their own policies, site rules and safeguarding procedures when delivering the programme.
The school is responsible for delivering the in-school sessions safely and appropriately.
The teacher pack is designed to support delivery, but schools should use professional judgement and adapt sessions to their pupils, space and conditions.
Parents can choose to join the optional Class to 5K Parent Plan through TrainingPeaks.
This gives parents guided sessions to complete at home, including family sessions with their child and parent-only sessions.
No.
The parent plan is optional.
Children can still take part in the school sessions whether or not their parent joins the plan.
No.
The parent plan is separate from the school sessions and is delivered through TrainingPeaks.
Schools do not need to manage, track or monitor parent participation.
TrainingPeaks is a global training platform used to deliver structured training plans.
Parents can view their sessions through the TrainingPeaks app or website.
TrainingPeaks allows the parent plan to be delivered in a structured, easy-to-follow way.
Parents can see their sessions, follow the weekly plan and track their own progress.
TrainingPeaks is a US-based platform, so payments are shown and processed in dollars.
The exact price and details are shown on the TrainingPeaks plan page
No.
The parent plan is designed to be beginner-friendly.
Walking and run-walk are built in, and parents can start from their own level.
That is fine.
The plan starts gradually. You can walk more, slow down, repeat sessions or adapt the effort to your level.
The aim is progress, not perfection.
The parent plan includes:
The sessions are designed to support the school programme and help families build confidence together.
No.
The family sessions are optional and are only part of the parent plan for families who choose to join.
No.
A smartwatch can be useful, but it is not essential.
Parents can follow the plan using a smartphone and the TrainingPeaks app or website.
You only need:
Yes.
Walking is part of the plan.
Run-walk is encouraged, and you can adapt sessions based on your current fitness level
Yes.
A child can be supported by a parent, carer or another trusted adult.
The more positive support they have, the better.
Do not worry.
Continue from where you are, repeat a session if needed, or pick up with the next one.
Consistency matters more than perfection.
Slow it down.
Walk more.
Keep it positive.
The aim is not to push children hard. The aim is to help them feel confident and successful.
They can still benefit from practising pacing, consistency and finishing a longer challenge.
The programme is not only for beginners, but it is designed so beginners can succeed too.
The final challenge is the finish-line moment at the end of the programme.
Schools may choose a 2K, 3K or 5K challenge depending on the pupils, route, time and space.
Not necessarily.
Some schools may choose one class distance. Others may offer different options.
The important thing is that every child has a challenge they can complete proudly.
Yes.
Walking is allowed and encouraged when needed.
The final challenge is about completing the distance safely and confidently, not running non-stop.
That depends on the school.
The Class to 5K resources include completion certificates, and schools can choose whether to provide medals, stickers or other rewards
That depends on the school’s event plan.
Some schools may run the final challenge as a school-only event. Others may invite parents and families to join in or support.
The programme has been designed to be gradual, inclusive and easy to adapt.
However, schools should always deliver sessions safely, follow their own policies and adapt to their pupils, space, weather and conditions.
Schools can:
Each session includes indoor or small-space guidance.
Schools can use short lanes, loops, shuttle areas or halls.
Teachers can:
Schools should follow their usual medical procedures.
Inhalers and relevant medical information should be accessible, and teachers should adapt sessions where needed.
Class to 5K is designed to be flexible and inclusive.
Teachers should adapt sessions based on individual needs, school policies and professional judgement.
Walking, shorter distances, extra support and adjusted activities can all be used.
If you are a school and want to know whether Class to 5K would work for your setting, Get in Contact and we will be more than happy to answer any queries you might have.
If you are a parent, visit the parent plan page to see how you can join your child’s journey at home.
