The 2021 Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools came to an end today (Friday 22 October) with more than 500,000 children having taken part in this inspirational event over the past month.
Schools right across the country signed up for the event, which started on Monday 27 September, six days before the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon, and ran until Friday 22 October. The event encouraged pupils, of all ages and abilities, to run, jog, walk or wheel 2.6 miles in their schools. The distance could be completed in one go or over a number of days.
In total, 508,197 schoolchildren were registered to take part.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director at London Marathon Events, said: “Our ambition is to inspire activity and to have more than 500,000 children taking part in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools, of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, is an incredible achievement. I hope everyone who took part had a wonderful experience and we hope to see them back taking part again next year.”
Ben Cooper, Head of School Engagement at London Marathon Events, said: “Schools right across the country have taken part in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools, including secondary, primary, special and nursery schools. It has been the most wonderful, inclusive event that has inspired thousands of children to be active, something we know is crucial to their physical and mental health.”
Rachel Lander, Head of Enrichment at St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive School in Eltham, said: “This is the first time we have taken part in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools. The whole school took part and it gave everyone a real boost to be outside and active. We even managed to raise about £1,500 for charity so it’s had a really positive effect on our whole community. We will definitely be signing up to take part again next year.”
Any school in the UK was eligible to take part in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools and every finisher will receive a free, commemorative pin badge.
Schools were also able to download Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools bib numbers for the children to wear during their runs, as well as certificates for the finishers – all provided free of charge.
The event will return in September and October 2022. For more details, click here.