Running to support our bed and breakfast campaign
Part of our role as a family of schools is to deliver civic impact. That’s why we established the Windsor Academy Trust Community Foundation last year—an ambitious long-term initiative to support those in our communities who need it most, through trust-wide, collective fundraising efforts.
This year’s WAT a Run event plays a vital role in accelerating those efforts, helping us move closer to our next milestone of £70,000 raised. The focus of the campaign is on improving student wellbeing, attendance and academic readiness—by ensuring all children have access to a nutritious breakfast and a safe, comfortable bed at home.
The reality of bed poverty—families without adequate sleeping arrangements—often goes unseen, yet it has a profound impact on the health, learning and life chances of young people. Through the Community Foundation and initiatives like WAT a Run, we are committed to making a tangible, lasting difference.
Windsor Academy Trust
About WAT a Run 2026
Embark on a journey of strength, unity, and determination join us in our unique and inspiring challenge, “WAT a Run 2026,” a two-day sponsored run connecting our schools and communities. This event is not just a test of endurance, but a celebration of the spirit of the WAT Family, as we come together to make a significant difference in the communities where we work and live.
Date:
Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2026
Challenge:
As many of us as possible, covering as many kilometres as possible to try and raise over £70,000 for the WAT Community Foundation.
Day 1 Highlights: Day 2 Highlights:
• Start at Greenways Primary Academy.
• The route includes key checkpoints at Milton Primary Academy, Sir Thomas Boughey Academy, Newcastle Academy, and Clayton Hall Academy.
• Each leg varies in distance, with the shortest being 1.97 km and the longest 17.29 km.
• Estimated times for each leg range from 14 minutes to approximately 2 hours.
• Day 1 concludes at Clayton Hall Academy.
• Runners will stay together throughout running at around 7 mins per kilometre pace.
Participants can experience varied terrain and distances, ensuring an exciting and dynamic run.
• Kick-off at Kingswinford Academy at 8am.
• The journey continues through Colley Lane Primary Academy, Windsor High School and Sixth Form, Tenterfields Primary Academy, Manor Way Primary Academy, Windsor Olympus Academy, Goldsmith Primary Academy, Rivers Primary Academy, Great Wyrley Academy, and ends at Cheslyn Hay Academ with a 5km ‘fun run’ and family celebration.
• Each leg varies in distance, with the shortest being 0.71 km and the longest 16.4 km.
• Estimated times for each leg range from 8 minutes to approximately 2 hours.
Celebrating Success: 2025 Review
Reflecting on a Record-Breaking 2025: A heartfelt thank you to every runner, volunteer, and school community who participated in WAT a Run 2025. With over 80 runners taking part, we successfully doubled our participation from previous years and powered past the £40,000 fundraising milestone. Your commitment to the ‘Bed & Breakfast’ campaign ensures that more children in our communities have the safe beds and nutritious starts they need to thrive. We celebrate the spirit of the WAT family that shone through every kilometer!
Almost 100 participants joined the run.
2023/24 Review
Year One (2023):
Over 40 participants joined the run.
Funds raised: £10,000
Highlight: Completion of the inaugural event with a strong sense of community and achievement.
Year Two (2024):
Participation doubled with over 80 runners.
Funds raised: £20,000
Highlight: Increased community involvement and the introduction of the community fun run at Great Wyrley Academy.
The Route: Day 2
Day 1 - Saturday 16th May (Total Running Time: 3hrs 54mins)
Day 2 - Sunday 17th May (Total Running Time: 7hrs 9mins)
Training and Top Tips
Training for WAT a Run is an important part of the preparation process. It not only helps you build endurance and stamina but also improves your overall health and wellbeing.
A good place to start is by setting a realistic training plan that fits your current fitness level and gradually increases in intensity as the event approaches.
Here are some top tips to help you prepare for your charity run:
Set a realistic training plan and stick to it
Listen to your body and adjust your training schedule accordingly
Incorporate a mix of cardio and strength training exercises in your training schedule
Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as the event approaches
Stay hydrated and fuel your body with nutritious foods
Get plenty of rest and sleep to recover from your training sessions
Wear comfortable and appropriate running shoes and clothing
And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the experience!
Couch to 5KM
If your target is to complete 5km, either at the track or joining any part of the route, why not try the free NHS Couch to 5K plan to get you started.
If you start the plan on the 7th March 2026, your 5km journey can end at our local school on the 10th or 11th during the fun run!
You can register for the ‘Couch to 5K’ for free here.
Fundraising Top Tips
Use Gift Aid: Gift Aid is a UK government scheme that allows Enthuse to claim an extra 25p for every £1 you raise, at no extra cost to you or your donors
Make it easy for people to donate: Make sure the Enthuse fundraising page is easy to find, and share regularly
Share the Enthuse fundraising link with friends and family on your social media platforms
Set a challenging but achievable goal: Set a fundraising goal that will inspire people to donate, but make sure it’s achievable. You can always increase it later!
Share your progress regularly: Keep your donors informed of your progress and thank them for their support. Share any training updates or milestones you reach