Log In

Children race in Alex Yee's footsteps at London Mini Marathon

Published 1 month ago2 minute read
.

Headteacher, Mitzi Nichol said: "Alex ran this race five times for Lewisham - now he's a world and Olympic triathlon champion. That shows the impact this event can have."

Saturday's event has a one-mile (1.6km) route for Reception to Year 7 pupils and a 1.6 mile (2.6km) route for those in Year 4 to Year 12.

Head teacher, Mitzi Nicholas wearing a blue school jacket in the playground

The head teacher of Stillness Junior School, Mitzi Nichol

"We've found the children come back from running more focused and energised, they work better in class and, more importantly, they feel like they've achieved something together," Mitzi added.

Layla Hall, from London Marathon Events, said: "We want every single child to feel the same amount of pride as our adult participants.

"Whether they're walking, wheeling or running, it's about movement, fun and feeling part of something bigger."

Since 2020, more than one million children have taken part in the Mini London Marathon with this year marking its 40th event.

Children wearing numbers and blue jumpers from Stillness Junior School smiling and sitting at a wooden desk in the classroom

Children from Stillness Junior School are excited about their upcoming race

According to Rosalind Mist from World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), the act of moving, especially outdoors has a "huge impact on the children".

She said: "It will boost their mood, build resilience in them and helps them connect with nature."

WWF is encouraging schools to combine physical activity with outdoor experiences, to run through parks, along school fields so kids can engage with their surroundings.

Children from Stillness Junior School run around a playground in front of a brick classroom building as teachers look on

Children from Stillness Junior School getting some training in for Saturday's mini marathon

Ms Hall, from London Marathon Events, added: "We want kids to walk away from this saying, 'That was fun. I did something I didn't think I could do'.

"That feeling can stay with you for life."

The mini races take place on Saturday 26 April which start from Horse Guards Parade to The Mall.

The first wave for the 2.6km begins at 09:45 BST and at 12:25 for the one-mile race with the final wave starting from 15:45.

The event only accepts applications from schools rather than individual entries.

Origin:
publisher logo
BBC News
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...