Wandsworth sprints ahead as the most active borough in TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools challenge

The TCS Mini London Marathon in schools is a virtual event that invites schools to enter their children and young people to run, jog, walk, or wheel 2 miles in their school setting. The challenge, between 22 April and 2 May, saw more than 480,000 school children take part across the country. 

In Wandsworth, 42 schools competed across the borough, the highest in London and eight schools ahead of the second-placed borough. 

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, praised the achievement, saying:  "It’s brilliant to see our schools leading the way and embracing opportunities like the TCS Mini London Marathon. 

“Initiatives like this not only support physical wellbeing but also help build confidence, resilience and friendships. We are committed to ensuring all children have the chance to thrive.” 

A staggering 167,395 children across 626 schools in London participated in this year’s Mini London Marathon, which aims to promote active lifestyles and inclusion through fun, accessible movement. 

In Wandsworth, the event aligned with two key local initiatives: the Year of Play and Wandsworth Moves Together, both of which are designed to make play, physical activity and community wellbeing central to the lives of young residents. 

The event sparked excitement and creativity across the borough, with teachers and pupils alike embracing the challenge. 

Nick Miller, School Games Organiser at Southfields Academy, reflected on the success: "Our schools in Wandsworth really embraced the challenge, and the energy and excitement it created were incredible. 

“The Mini London Marathon helped break down barriers to participation and gave so many children the chance to experience success through movement. It’s been a joy to see our young people motivated and inspired, and to have Wandsworth recognised for that effort is a huge honour." 

Judi added that this success is just the beginning: "Through our Year of Play and Wandsworth Moves Together, we are making physical activity, fun, and inclusivity a key part of growing up in our borough. When we invest in these kinds of activities, our children thrive.” 

Layla Hall, School’s Engagement Manager at London Marathon Events (organiser of the TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools) and National School Programme Manager for The Daily Mile in England said: “Each year, this event inspires hundreds of thousands of children to be active in their schools. We had more schools register than ever before in 2025 and a big thank you to those in Wandsworth for being such an active part of a record-breaking edition of the TCS Mini London Marathon.”  

This recognition from the TCS Mini London Marathon organisers is a proud moment for Wandsworth and a celebration of our community’s commitment to getting active. It paves the way for even more inclusive and creative opportunities ahead. If your child has been inspired to take up running, local clubs like Herne Hill Harriers and Belgrave Harriers, offer fantastic opportunities to get involved or explore other sports and activities through our local sports and fitness programmes. Let’s keep Wandsworth moving!