Thousands of children race in Mini London Marathon

Alicia, who has asthma, said she trained for the race in her local parks [BBC]

Thousands of children across London have been sharing in the running excitement, with the TCS Mini London Marathon.

Open to children from Reception age to Year 12, the annual event on Saturday welcomed 20,000 runners and formed part of the London Marathon weekend.

The event, which started at Horse Guards Parade and finished on The Mall, included either a mile or 1.6-mile distance which children could jog, walk or wheel.

Alicia from south London told BBC London she was "very excited" to run the Mini Marathon, and had been training for the race in her local parks.

"I'm feeling a bit nervous at the same time, because it's my first time doing it," she added.

"I've got quite a few friends who are running it with me."

Eddie and Harry hoped to run the race together [BBC]

Friends Eddie and Harry, from Enfield, said they would try to run the race together.

Harry added: "I'm feeling good, I think I'll get a good time.

"We both love running in school."

Another runner, Cameron, said he loved trying to beat his own records when competing.

There were 600 London schools taking part in the race.

Suzie, from Surrey, said she was excited to take part: "I love running and getting outside so I am really happy."

Leslie, Suzie's headteacher, said she felt "so lucky" her pupils could take part in the children's marathon.

"This is our second year of competing, and the children are so excited - there is such a buzz around the school community.

"Children's physical wellbeing is so important."

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