THE historic Monument Run in Wellington has been revived.

Dozens of students from Wellington and Court Fields schools ran up to the landmark yesterday (July 1)... and they kept the Olympic spirit alive one year on from London as they were joined by three former old Wellingtonian Olympians.

The five-mile race, which stopped in 1996, was organised by former staff member and school governor David Lungley and it is hoped it will continue in years to come.

Dr Lungley, who was a volunteer at London 2012, said: “Volunteering at the Olympics really did stir up some pride and while there I thought about what the school might do for a legacy, as was clearly the hope of the games organisers and athletes. 

“Re-establishing the race to the monument and back seemed an obvious idea to me.”

Students started at Gillards Farm before heading up Beacon Lane to the monument and back via Park Lane. The shorter under-16 race began part-way up Beacon Lane.

Runners were joined by John Moore, who competed in the Olympics in the 1950s and 60s and his son, Mark, who competed in the Olympics in the 1980s, will be providing inspiration for the students.

John and Mark hail from the only family thought to have three successive generations of Olympic athletes as John’s father George Moore took part in the 1948 London Olympics.

Wellington shooter Ed Ling was also at the successful re-launch of the run.

Martin Reader, headmaster of Wellington School, said: “I am so pleased that we are able to revive this event and have a proper cross-country challenge around one of the town’s great features. 

“I am delighted that a team from Court Fields School joined us and that the Olympic spirit can spread through the whole community.”

Australian Paralympic swimmer Elizabeth Wright will present the awards at Wellington School’s sports day on Thursday.