PADGATE primary pupils took part in the TCS Mini London Marathon.

Six pupils from Christ Church Primary journeyed to the capital to take part in the exciting event which was held on the Saturday (April 20), the day before the official London Marathon.

The ‘record-breaking’ event saw more than 12,000 school children turn up at St James’s Park to compete in the ‘mini marathon’ which was split into two courses.

Participants had the choice of running in the 2.6k courses or the one-mile courses around the park, with the race ending with the same iconic finish line as the main event – along The Mall.

Among the Padgate pupils who took part was Ruby, from class 9, Emi and Ben, from class 10, Lucas and Francesca, from class 11, and Aiden, from class 12.

All six children completed the one-mile route taking in many of London’s famous landmarks along the way.

Meanwhile Aiden and Emi used the event to raise funds for Friends of Christ Church PTA – raising £170 sponsorship money between the pair.

Ben Cooper, TCS Mini London Marathon event lead, spoke if the race which is now in its third year, saying: “This is a fantastic event to inspire children to be active, we know that exercise is incredibly important for children’s physical and mental health so it was brilliant to have Joe here to lead the warm-ups and get the participants ready.

“The TCS Mini London Marathon is an event for everyone, whatever their ability, and we are delighted this year’s event is the biggest so far.

“It has been brilliant to see families enjoying our new Fan Zone in St James’s Park, a dedicated area where they can have some food and drink, listen to DJs and celebrate their achievements.”