Implementation of The Daily Mile™: survey of primary schools in Greater London

Abstract Background The Daily Mile™ is a free school-based active mile intervention. Its main features include that children run or jog for 15 minutes at least 3 times week (3x/wk) during school hours. Mile Foundation recommends 10 principles successful implementation. These are it (1) quick (15 minutes), (2) fun, (3) whole participates, (4) takes place in all weathers, (5) 3x/wk addition to curricular lessons (not PE, breaks, before/after school), (6) ideally the playground, (7) safe, (8) simple (no equipment), (9) go their own pace and (10) no change of clothes shoes needed. aim this study was identify how many Greater London primary schools adopting implement its principles. Methods In September 2020, we sent state-funded (n = 1721) every borough 32) survey find out if they implemented Mile. Results By June 2021, 368 (21%) responded our (at one from borough). Of these, 195 (53%) adopted which only 7 (4%) reported implementing principles; median (IQR: 6,8) were implemented. Whole participation by 93 (48%) schools, 104 minutes, 127 (65%) 3x/wk, 149 (76%) ran jogged A large proportion playground done simply (both n 171, 88%), but 85 (44%) lessons. Conclusions 7/10 on average. Whether limits success desired effect unclear. Studies assessing effects should consider implementation when reporting results. Key messages Mile’s principles, an average schools. examining may impact effect.