Schools across the United Kingdom are being invited to take part in a new space race – to stride, swim, scoot and spin the 400km distance from the International Space Station to Earth.

This triathlon-styled challenge, set by British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Tim Peake, and funded by the UK Space Agency, was revealed today at a World Space Week event attended by 175 children and hosted by the Cool Aeronautics team. Named the Space to Earth Challenge, It’s one of a number of educational opportunities on offer as part of Tim Peake’s Principia mission this December. 

When Peake moves into his new home in space – the ISS – he would like children across the UK to exercise alongside him as he trains 2 hours a day in the world’s highest and fastest-moving gym – travelling at 27,600 km per hour, and circling the world every 90 minutes. Schools taking part in the challenge will be encouraged to create their own "spaceathlons” using a trio of space, sport and science activities.

Peake said: “While exercising so far away in space I will have some amazing views, although I will miss the sights, sounds and fresh air of planet Earth. I hope students across the UK will join me in my training and share what they see as they work out back on Earth.”

Recent ITU World Paratriathlon Champion, Lauren Steadman, joined the British Triathlon Trust in hosting a hands-on workshop at the launch at the Royal Aeronautical Society, allowing all 175 children to take on a mini ‘dry-tri’ to offer them a fun introduction to the sport.

For more information on the British Triathlon Trust, please visit here.

Schools across the country can sign up for the free challenge and resources here.