Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy children complete Mini-London Marathon challenge clocking up 330 miles together!

Debsie in year 5 had a tactical approach to the marathon saying, “It’s not how fast you run, it’s how much stamina you have. The marathon was a long distance so you couldn’t just sprint it.”

Children at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy have been getting their running shoes on to complete the Mini-London Marathon 2026!

Every child at the school participated in the event, completing at least 11 laps of their school field, and collectively running a whopping 330 miles over the course of one week.

Children’s efforts have earned the school the Mini-London Marathon award, now on display in the school’s trophy cabinet.

Robyn is a pupil in year 3 and took part saying, “I loved it and I feel like I did a good job! I want to run more in the future. Me and my friend Mila do Park Run at the weekends.”

Sports Coach, Josh Poxon said the event promoted fitness, resilience, wellbeing, and school spirit, while allowing pupils to be part of a nationwide celebration of physical activity linked to the London Marathon. Josh said, “Our children loved taking part in the TCS Mini-London Marathon. They demonstrated fantastic determination, teamwork, and enthusiasm throughout the challenge.

“Every child successfully completed at least 11 laps of the school playground, equating to approximately 2 miles each. Some children even took it upon themselves to complete extra laps during lunchtime and before school, demonstrating incredible motivation and commitment.”

Pupil Kian, year 5, had advice for fellow pupils saying, “Preserve your energy, it’s not a race it’s just a bit of fun!” James in year 4, agreed saying, “No matter how slow or fast you are, keep on pushing.”

“It doesn’t matter if you didn’t do all of it,” said Esme, in year 5, “It just matters how much fun you had!” Fellow year 5 pupil Leila agreed, adding, “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it matters how much fun you have.”

Photograph: They did it! Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy children with Headteacher, Chris Reynolds, and the TCS Mini-London Marathon 2026 trophy.

Chris Reynolds is Headteacher at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy and he said, “Our children have made us truly proud with their efforts in this mini-marathon event.

“Completing over 330 miles in total is an amazing achievement and we are delighted to have the trophy in the cabinet to remind all of our children of their collective and individual efforts, -a huge well-done to Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy children!”

Alfie in year 5 said it was fun and he enjoyed taking part with his friends, and Nicole (year 3) and Erin (year 5) said it was fun, -but also tiring!

Charlotte, year 5 commented, “It wasn’t the same number of laps as the real London marathon, but it was just as tiring!” Arya year 5 agreed but added, “It was really tiring, -but it was worth it!”