“Limit is a construct that you choose to impose on yourself or others and if you don’t choose to impose limits, then they don’t exist.”

Today, (7th October), as part of No Human Is Limited, in which some of the world's most inspirational people involved in sport have come together to tell their own personal stories of why no human is limited ahead of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt to break the two hour marathon barrier, founder of The Daily Mile Elaine Wyllie MBE has joined Chris Froome, Abdi Nageeye, Hermann Maie, Patrick Vieira and Sir Ben Ainslie in sharing her story. 

When Headteacher, Elaine Wyllie, discovered that not all children were fit enough to run around the school playing field she set about making running 100% inclusive so that every child, every day had the chance to get out of the classroom to run, have fun and improve their health and wellbeing.

Her simple concept snowballed from a handful of children running or jogging for 15 minutes every day in a Primary School in Scotland to a global initiative now known all around the world as The Daily Mile. Nearly 2 million children in 68 countries are taking part and reporting improvements in self-esteem, self-belief and self-confidence.

It may be an amazingly simple concept – a burst of physical activity that can take place at any time of the day, with no need for special equipment or training, or even a change of shoes – but Elaine had to fight hard to overcome initial barriers to this new approach to physical activity in schools. Her determination to lift the limits felt by children now means that any school, regardless of where it is in the world, can quickly and easily start participating in this outstanding initiative.

Elaine, who was awarded an MBE for her services to children’s health,  campaigns tirelessly to inspire teachers around the world to empower their children to build self-esteem through physical fitness. The Daily Mile transcends borders and cultures, and now her vision is for it to reach ‘every child, every day, whatever their age, ability or circumstance’… in other words, to have no limits.

As Elaine supports Eliud in his challenge, Eliud also supports The Daily Mile as a Global Ambassador. He plans to continue spreading the world about the importance of running and inspire children around the world to be more active.  “A running world is a peaceful and happy world” he said.

Named after Kipchoge’s personal mantra, No Human is Limited, the aim is to encourage people from across the world to embrace this philosophy, to break down their own barriers, sporting or otherwise and believe no one is limited in their lives.

Elaine Wyllie said:

“Limit is a construct that you choose to impose on yourself or others and if you don’t choose to impose limits, then they don’t exist.”

“You can take the view that you can push the limits, push the boundaries and make yourself stronger. Life has taught me that anything is possible. You never know, the next Eliud Kipchoge might come from a Daily Mile school.”

“Eliud is an inspirational runner and he’s challenging himself to do something that has never done before. He has surrounded himself with an incredible team; he keeps saying, ‘It’s me and the team’. Together, I truly believe that Eliud will make history in Vienna.”