In the hours leading up to the elite runners and charity participants tackling the formidable 26.2-mile course through the capital, countless young athletes will shine at the Mini London Marathon set in St James’s Park.
Among the young competitors are pupils from Stillness Junior School situated in Lewisham, south-east London, who are inspired by their former classmate, Alex Yee.
Headteacher Mitzi Nichol remarked, “Alex has participated in this race five times on behalf of Lewisham, and now he stands as a world and Olympic triathlon champion. This highlights the substantial impact this event can have.”
This Saturday’s festivities feature a one-mile (1.6km) distance for students from Reception through Year 7, alongside a longer route of 1.6 miles (2.6km) for participants in Year 4 all the way to Year 12.
“The children return from running with increased focus and energy; they perform better in class and, most importantly, they feel a sense of collective achievement,” Mitzi noted.
Layla Hall of London Marathon Events emphasized, “We aim for every child to experience the same pride as our adult participants. It’s all about movement, enjoyment, and being part of a larger community, whether they are walking, using a wheelchair, or running.”
Since 2020, over one million children have participated in the Mini London Marathon, which celebrates its 40th year this season.
Rosalind Mist from the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) highlighted the significant benefits of outdoor movement for children. “Physical activity outdoors can greatly enhance their mood, foster resilience, and deepen their connection to nature,” she stated.
WWF encourages educational institutions to merge physical activity with outdoor experiences, enabling children to explore parks and school fields to better engage with their environments.
Ms. Hall added, “We want children to leave with the sentiment, ‘That was enjoyable. I accomplished something I never thought possible.’ That sense of achievement can remain with them for a lifetime.”
The mini races will occur on Saturday, April 26, starting at Horse Guards Parade and making their way to The Mall.
The first wave for the 2.6km event kicks off at 09:45 BST, followed by the one-mile race at 12:25 and concluding with the final wave at 15:45.
Please note that applications for participation are accepted only from schools, not from individuals.
