News | 07 May 2026
Grit and Citizenship as IES Jönköping Runs for Charity
Five Year 8 students from IES Jönköping recently challenged themselves in the Winter Bay Ultra Run. Their impressive performance showcased the power of grit and a commitment to citizenship.
From left: Principal Mr Varley, Lexie Piejko, Helena Almlöf, Zoe Piejko, Eliott Andersson and Krithigar Sasitharan, all geared up and ready for the Winter Bay Ultra Run.
At Internationella Engelska Skolan, we often discuss the importance of grit. We define this as perseverance and the courage to challenge oneself. This was on full display on 1 May, when five of our Year 8 students, Krithigar, Lexie, Eliott, Helena, and Zoe, travelled to Stockholm to participate in the Winter Bay Ultra Run.
The concept of the run is demanding. Participants must complete a 6.7 km lap every hour for as long as they can. Together, this determined team completed 29 laps. This effort resulted in a total distance of 194.46 km. When including the distance covered by our Principal, Mr Varley, the team surpassed the 200 km mark.
Excellence in Action
In addition to the team’s success, several individual achievements were particularly noteworthy:
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Both Krithigar and Eliott completed more than a full marathon individually.
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Krithigar secured second place during his seventh lap. He also won his eighth lap, proving that every lap makes a difference.
More Than Just a Race
This initiative was not only about physical endurance. It was a clear example of citizenship by taking action to contribute to a better world. By participating, the students raised funds for Bris and the Child Diabetes Foundation (Barndiabetesfonden).
Grit in the Modern School
The success of these students highlights a vital part of the IES Jönköping's ethos. Recently, there has been a significant public debate regarding the role of challenging activities in school, such as traditional P.E. games. Many worry that the adult world is making children fragile by removing "friction" from their education.
At IES Jönköping, we believe that students must be exposed to challenges to develop resilience. Whether it is standing at a batting plate or running an ultra-marathon, these moments build the strength to try, fail, and try again. We maintain high academic expectations as well as a safe and calm environment so that students feel secure enough to be challenged.
By embracing these challenges today, our students are better prepared for the realities of tomorrow.