Any school in the UK can take part in the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools, including primary, secondary or special schools. Children can complete the 2.6 miles in a way that suits their age and abilities – nursery-age children could do the event in stages over a whole week, older primary children might do this as part of The Daily Mile and take two or three sessions, or secondary children might do it all in one go.
The event window starts on Monday 27 September and finishes on Friday 22 October – with the Virgin Money London Marathon itself taking place on Sunday 3 October when it will again be screened live on BBC television.
Every child that finishes the event, up to the first 500,000, will receive a free, commemorative pin badge. Schools can also download running numbers for their children to wear when they run, as well as posters to put up in school and a certificate to give out when they finish. Everything is free of charge.
Charlotte Purdue, the fastest British woman in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon and former Mini Marathon participant, said: “I started running when I was in school and it was something that has stayed with me throughout my life. It doesn’t matter whether you are a fast runner or a slow runner, everyone can enjoy being part of the event. I think it would be just amazing if we can inspire half a million children to take part and complete 2.6 miles in their schools.”
Schools can click here to enter for free the 2021 Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools. The event can also be used by schools to fundraise for good causes with many using the opportunity to generate funds for their school or chosen charity.
Every school in country invited to be part of 2021 Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools
The Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools returns in 2021 and this year aims to inspire activity in a record-breaking 500,000 schoolchildren across the UK.
Already more than 300,000 pupils are signed up to take part in the event, beating last year’s figure of 111,000 when the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools was held for the first time.
The free event is part of organisers London Marathon Events’ commitment to Inspiring Activity for all.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “The Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon gives schoolchildren of all ages and abilities the chance to be part of this year’s historic Virgin Money London Marathon, which is set to be the largest marathon ever staged with up to 50,000 people running on the traditional course on the streets of London and up to 50,000 people running virtually where ever they are in the world.
“We want schoolchildren to be part of this incredible event and, as we saw last year, the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon in schools is a fantastic way of engaging and inspiring activity.. Sport is such an important part of our children’s physical and mental health and this is a wonderful opportunity for all children to be part of one of this country’s most famous sporting events and get that wonderful sense of achievement of completing 2.6 miles."