There were smiles, high fives and laughter along The Mall today (20 April) as children and young people from across the UK took part in the record-breaking 2024 TCS Mini London Marathon.
More than 12,900 participants were cheered on by crowds of families and friends as they took on one-mile or 2.6K courses around St James’s Park.
The day featured championship races for the best young athletes in the country, and mass participation events designed for schoolchildren of all ages and abilities.
The TCS Mini London Marathon, now in its third year as a stand-alone event, is a unique chance for children and young people to get active and be involved in what is an iconic weekend in the British capital, with the TCS London Marathon taking place tomorrow (21 April).
It features the same iconic Finish Line on The Mall as tomorrow’s Marathon and, for the first time this year, also included a Fan Zone where children and their families could enjoy a party atmosphere after completing their challenge. Another first this year was a charity partnership with WWF-UK.
As part of that partnership, WWF-UK celebrity supporter Joe Wicks was on hand throughout the day to lead warm-ups and hand out medals to awe-struck youngsters.
Ben Cooper, TCS Mini London Marathon Event Lead, said: “This is a fantastic event to inspire children to be active, we know that exercise is incredibly important for children’s physical and mental health so it was brilliant to have Joe here to lead the warm-ups and get the participants ready.
“The TCS Mini London Marathon is an event for everyone, whatever their ability, and we are delighted this year’s event is the biggest so far.
“It has been brilliant to see families enjoying our new Fan Zone in St James’s Park, a dedicated area where they can have some food and drink, listen to DJs and celebrate their achievements.”
Joe added: “It is exciting to be here, I love seeing young children get into running, I think if you can get into it as a kid and get it in your DNA it can help you a lot through life.
“We are living in a world where it is so easy to be sedentary and kids are on screens and devices and because of that our mental health is suffering. If you can get into running at a young age it is that thing that is always going to be there for you.
“For me, as a kid, exercise was a massive part of my life, it really helped me through a difficult childhood. Seeing these kids here today running, letting go of that stress and anxiety is a powerful, transformative thing.”
Horse Guards Parade was bathed in sunshine as crowds gathered early to watch the first championship races of the day. Loud cheers went up as the wheelchair and ambulant waves set off from 09:00 on the 2.6K course.
The championships event, which had 1,289 finishers this year, attracts the best young athletes from across the UK, who are all following in the footsteps of British athletics greats including Sir Mo Farah, Keely Hodgkinson and David Weir who have all taken part in the event in the past.
Illias Zghoundi, champion of the 2023 Under-17 Boys’ wheelchair event, defended his title in style as he raced to victory in 7:17.
The talented para athlete has his eyes set on competing over the marathon distance just like one of his idols, David Weir, who will be racing in an astonishing 25th consecutive London Marathon tomorrow (21 April).
Illias said: “It was good! It’s my last race in the Mini, so I thought I might as well go as hard as I can.
“It’s a nice starter event, it gives me an experience of what the full is like. Hopefully, I can follow in David Weir’s footsteps and do London!”
Under-17 Ambulant race winner Ollie Scott (8:35) said: “It was really good! This is my fifth year. It’s a great event and it’s good that the numbers have increased this year for the ambulant racers – onwards and upwards! I want to be a para triathlete. Cycling is my favourite.”
Four-time Mini Marathon runner Katie Pye was ecstatic after winning the Under-17 Girls’ event in 8:20, saying after crossing the Finish Line on The Mall: “It felt amazing! I honestly didn’t expect to win. I was hoping to come top five, but I was running down the home straight and thought I had a bit more in me.
“I want to go as far as I can with my running. I would love to represent Great Britian a few more times. I ran in the European Cross Country Championships this year which was incredible.”
The following came first in their race:
- U-13 Girls - Summer Smith
- U-13 Boys - Thomas McCartie
- U-15 Girls - Olivia Forrest
- U-15 Boys - Joseph Scanes
- U-17 Girls - Katie Pye
- U-17 Boys - Oliver Patton
Ambulant
- U-14 Girls - Ella Richards
- U-14 Boys - Fletcher Roberts
- U-17 Girls - Keira Mills
- U-17 Boys - Ollie Scott
Wheelchair
- U-14 Girls - Imogen Ashwell (T33/34)
- U-14 Boys - Toby Metzgen (T33/34)
- U-14 Girls - Niamh Currie (T53/54)
- U-14 Boys - Emerson Grant (T53/54)
- U-17 Girls - Daina Donnelly (T33/34)
- U-17 Boys - Sam Waikington (T33/34)
- U-17 Girls - Nathalie Garner (T53/54)
- U-17 Boys - Illias Zghoundi (T53/54)
For the full results, see here.
As part of a commitment to inspire future generations of runners and to encourage participation, every participant aged 17 or under who finishes the 2024 TCS Mini London Marathon earned £10 from title partner Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for their school to spend on PE or IT equipment.
There was plenty of excitement and enthusiasm on The Mall as friends, teachers and family supported thousands of schoolchildren aged 4-17 at the mass participation event.
Logan White travelled from Bedfordshire and was excited about the trip to London and the chance to run in the capital. The 11-year-old said: “It’s been really great; the race was really fun and so was walking around London. The medal is really cool!”
Lola Parrish, from Romford, Essex, took on the one-mile distance. The nine-year-old headed to the Fan Zone after the run to celebrate with her family. Lola said: “It was exciting and I will be coming back next year!”
Lily Bhurji, from Cobham, Surrey, completed the 2.6K distance. “It was tiring but exciting. The crowds definitely gave me a power-up, it was great,” said the nine-year-old who has her sights set on the marathon distance when she’s a bit older.
Schools can still be part of the TCS Mini London Marathon in schools, which started on Monday 15 April and can be held any time until Friday 10 May. To find out more head here.