In a landmark change to the usual format, up to 7,000 children are due to take part in the first edition of a new mass participation TCS Mini London Marathon on Saturday 1 October, the day before the TCS London Marathon. And in a unique initiative, every child who finishes their race will be rewarded with £10 paid to their school to spend on PE or IT equipment, provided by TCS. 

This brilliant sponsorship agreement is part of London Marathon Events’ commitment to inspiring more children to be physically active. It builds on the huge success of the virtual TCS Mini London Marathon where children run 2.6 miles in their schools, with 600,000 children in the UK expected to register.

The ambition is to grow the live event to 50,000 children passing the world-famous Finish Line on The Mall in central London by 2030. If that is achieved, and the sponsorship is maintained, then half a million pounds could be pumped into health, fitness, and technology in schools annually.

The programme will feature one-mile and 2.6K events for children and young people of all abilities, from ages four to 17, over the final section of the TCS London Marathon course. The event will also feature championship races for the UK’s top young runners, which were traditionally held on Sunday morning.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the TCS London Marathon, said: “Our children are in crisis with shocking statistics showing falling activity levels, increasing childhood obesity, and mental health issues. We all know how getting active can improve physical and mental health and London Marathon Events is working with a range of partners to inspire children across the UK to get more active.

“Over the past four decades, the London Marathon has inspired millions of people to get active and transformed lives. Our vision is that the new TCS Mini London Marathon will do the same as it grows to the same size as the London Marathon, and in 2030 we will see 50,000 children involved in the mass event".

Among the star alumni of the Mini London Marathon are multiple Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah; Commonwealth Games 10,000m gold medallist Eilish McColgan; record London Marathon winner David Weir; world 1500m champion Jake Wightman, and European and Commonwealth Games 1500m champion Laura Muir.

The 2022 TCS Mini London Marathon is open for entry from schools only and is free of charge. The event is already at capacity, however, places are likely to become available and schools should see here for more information, including how they can join the waiting list. Schools can also enter the 2022 TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools for free here. 

Image of Sir Mo Farah by Jed Leicester for London Marathon Events/The Big Half