MORE than 200 pupils at Dumbarton Academy will put their stamina to the test as they take on West Dunbartonshire’s first ever overnight “Sportathon” in aid of Sport Relief.

The nine-hour sporting extravaganza is set to include more than a third of the school as pupils from all year groups join staff to take part in a plethora of sports and fitness activities for charity.

Starting at 9pm on March 23, the fund-raisers will try out everything from badminton, indoor hockey and indoor football, to fitness activities and smaller games like bench ball.

And quirky exercise sessions will also feature, with all participants grabbing their glow sticks to unite in a “clubbercise” dance workout.

PE teacher Stephanie Murtagh, who is organising the event, said: “The kids are just so excited to be part of something. The buzz around the school is amazing.

“It’s important for their health and wellbeing too. It’s a challenge but also a unique and worthwhile experience. Keeping going until 6am will be challenging.

“We’re offering every sport we have. All the students will take part in two big group activities: clubbercise, for which we’ll get the glow sticks out, and there will also be indoor orienteering.

“They’ll rotate around the sports just to give them the best all-round exercise.

“The whole PE department will be taking part, with support from other departments too, from learning support to modern languages.”

The full sum raised by the overnight event will go towards Sport Relief – and the children are already busy fundraising.

Ms Murtagh said: “Each pupil has been given a sponsorship form, and the school has also put together a fundraising page.

“We were hoping to raise £1,000 but knowing how many kids and staff we have taking part now I’m hoping that we can smash that target.”

A spokesperson from West Dunbartonshire Council said: “Dumbarton Academy is delighted to host the first overnight Sportathon in aid of Sports Relief.

"The event involves around 200 pupils participating in 14 different sport and physical activities throughout the evening and early morning.

"This event will give pupils a unique, fun and rewarding experience and we would ask people to help the pupils reach their £1,000 target.”