The Aspire Connect 40 Relay Challenge was a trust-wide, team-focused feat of endurance that took place in March 2024 aid of Comic Relief Red Nose Day and Youth Sport Trust.

Circumnavigating the whole of Cornwall, 36 Aspire academies, two outdoor education centres (Carlyon Bay and Carnyorth) and two central core service buildings (Truro and St Austell) were connected via a non-competitive relay route using only physical activity as the mode of travel. Whether walking, running, cycling, rowing, or swimming, physical exertion was key, and anything involving an engine was strictly off-limits! 

As each Aspire setting connected with another, a special baton containing a live tracker was officially handed over to the next active participant. Staff, children, family and friends were able to ‘track’ the progress of the baton from the classroom or office from a web link, provided by Geotracks Live. This event wasn't just for the grown-ups. Aspire pupils were also actively involved, fundraising for the two nominated charities through physical school-led activities either on the day the baton arrived on their doorstep, or on Red Nose Day itself.

The event was the brainchild of James Ross (Rossi) and was extremely unifying for the whole MAT, who were able to feel the powerful connection of belonging and pulling together for a common purpose.