Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Wandsworth leads the 2025 TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools, with the most participating schools, backing its Wandsworth Moves Together activity strategy.
The TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools is an online competition that allows schools to register their students to run, jog, walk, or wheel two kilometers within the school environment. More than 480,000 schoolchildren nationwide participated in the challenge between April 22 and May 2.
With 42 participating schools, Wandsworth had the most in London and eight more than the borough in second place.
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.”
This year’s Mini London Marathon, which employs enjoyable, accessible movement to encourage active lifestyles and inclusivity, attracted an incredible 167,395 kids from 626 schools in London.
The event was in line with Wandsworth Moves Together and the Year of Play, two important community projects that aim to make play, exercise, and communal well-being a major part of young people’s lives.
Teachers and students alike embraced the challenge as the event ignited excitement and creativity throughout the borough.
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. “
He said that they had more schools registered than ever before in 2025 and a big thanks to those in Wandsworth for being such an active part of a record-breaking edition of the TCS Mini London Marathon.
Wandsworth is thrilled to have received this accolade from the TCS Mini London Marathon organizers, which honors our community’s dedication to physical activity. It opens the door to even more innovative and inclusive possibilities in the future.
Through our local sports and fitness programs, clubs like Herne Hill Harriers and Belgrave Harriers provide great chances for your child to get involved in running or to try out other sports and activities.
What strategies did Wandsworth use to engage schools in the TCS Mini London Marathon in Schools challenge?
Schools were given clear directions and assistance to help them organize their participation between April 22 and May 2, 2025, and were encouraged to register early for the event.
In order to make it simple and enjoyable for schools to host the two-mile event on their property, registered schools were given a comprehensive toolbox that included certificates, running bibs, finish line tape, bunting, posters, assembly slides, and educational materials (including WWF-UK materials).
To ensure accessibility and promote widespread participation, children of all ages and abilities were invited to run, jog, walk, wheel, or be guided around the course.
Additional tools and guidance on enhancing student wellbeing through a connection to nature, connecting physical exercise with mental health, and environmental education were made available through the collaboration with WWF-UK.