Running for distance competition
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can run long distances as part of a competition and understand how to pace myself to finish the race.
Key learning points
- Move: it is important to pace ourselves in a long distance race to ensure we have enough energy to finish the race.
- Think: if we sprint too early in a long distance race, we will drain energy and may not finish.
- Think: leaving enough energy for a sprint finish shows tactical thinking to help us finish the race quicker.
- Feel: to be able to run a long distance race, we need to be resilient so we can keep going.
- Connect: collaborating and supporting each other as a team helps us to perform well.
Keywords
Long distance - a type of running race or activity that covers a significant distance, usually much more than a sprint
Pace - running at a speed that we can keep up for a long time
Energy - is fuel for our body and it helps us move and do things
Common misconception
Pupils believe that you have to be fast to be good at long distance running, overlooking the importance of endurance, breathing technique, pacing and tactics.
Explain that sprinting and long-distance running differ: sprinters rely on fast-twitch muscle fibres for power and speed, while long-distance runners use slow-twitch fibres for endurance and efficiency.
Teacher tip
Esure you use a wide starting point for pupils, to avoid any crashes or pupils being tripped. Ensure you have clear vision of all pupils when they are running and pupils have access to water throughout the session.
Equipment
30+ cones, 1 relay baton between 3 pupils
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes the act of trying to win in an event?
Q2.What is an example of tactics in a team race?
Q3.What do you need to have in order to finish a long distance race?
Q4.Which running pace is best to use at the start of a long distance race?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which word describes a fuel for the body that helps you to move and run?
Q2.Which is more important for long distance running?
Q3.What is one difference between sprinters and long distance runners?
Q4.What will help you to keep running when you start to find it hard?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Running for distance competition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Running for distance competition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Athletics: athletic challenges refined unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.