OLYMPIC medallist Brendan Foster has blasted Michael Gove for "demonising" running.
The athlete turned commentator, who founded the Great North Run, criticised the education secretary for suggesting running should be a punishment for bad behaviour.
The 65-year-old former chemistry teacher, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, said the notion contradicts the Government’s own policies to fight childhood obesity and boost sport in schools.
Foster, who won the 1976 Olympic 10,000m bronze, said: “It’s a step back.
“For years, we’ve told people running is enjoyable and beneficial to health.
“Now Mr Gove has sent a message that it’s bad, a punishment on a par with picking up litter or doing 100 lines.”
Mr Gove this week issued guidelines on "traditional punishments" for pupils’ misbehaviour. They included weeding, tidying and removing graffiti.
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