News28th April 2025

Ark students laced up for TCS Mini London Marathon

Around 220 students from 13 Ark schools from London and Hastings took part in the TCS Mini London Marathon on Saturday 26 April.

Ark SportArk All Saints AcademyArk Conway Primary AcademyArk Elvin AcademyArk Franklin Primary AcademyArk Globe AcademyArk Greenwich Free SchoolArk John Archer Primary AcademyArk Soane AcademyArk King Solomon AcademyArk Walworth AcademyArk Alexandra AcademyArk Blacklands Primary AcademyArk Castledown Primary Academy

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Students celebrate after receiving their medals

Pupils from London schools Ark All Saints, Ark Conway, Ark Elvin, Ark Franklin, Ark Globe, Ark Greenwich, Ark John Archer, Ark Soane, Ark King Solomon and Ark Walworth – as well as students from Ark Alexandra, Ark Blacklands and Ark Castledown in Hastings – took part in the race for the first time.

Starting at the Horse Guards Parade in central London, the students crossed the TCS London Marathon finish line at the Mall and received a coveted ‘Mini Marathon medal’.

There were two route options for students to run, with those from Reception to Year 7 completing a one-mile route, and students from Year 4 to Year 12 able to enter a more challenging 2.6km route.

Previously just an event for the best young athletes in the country, the TCS Mini London Marathon is now open to all, with schools invited to enter children into the ballot for places for the event.

Ark Sport entered the ballot for the first time this year – and secured 220 places for Ark students.

The race – which took place the day before the 45th TCS London Marathon – started at 10am, and TCS gave schools £10 for every pupil who finishes the event.

Before they started, the children took part in warm-up activities with celebrity fitness coach and television presenter Joe Wicks.

Ark Network Lead for PE, Sport and Play, Tom Morrish said, “Our pupils were so excited to take part in the London mini marathon.

“Ark Sport is all about enjoying movement and getting out in the fresh air and exercising.

“This was such a great opportunity to participate in an iconic race, reap the benefits of an active morning – and be inspired by following in the footsteps of some of our national running treasures!”

The Mini London Marathon was first held in 1985. Sir Mo Farah, Eilish McColgan, David Weir and Keely Hodgkinson are among the star names to have taken part in the past.