Sporting stars of the future sprint ahead in the mini marathon

Young runners from the East End were on top form for the London Mini Marathon – completing the final three miles of the iconic race on Sunday (April 17). 
 
This year’s race was started by local athlete, Phillips Idowu, the current world champion and gold medallist triple jumper.
 
The former Raine’s Foundation school pupil took time out of is schedule to give Team Tower Hamlets a pep talk before the race 
 
More than 40 teenagers from the borough took part in the Mini Marathon with 
Zahra Attibbi coming second in the under 13’s category. 
 
Zahra beat off stiff competition from a possible 264 runners to come second and finished the race in 18 minutes and 41 seconds.
 
Billy Hutton from Raine’s Foundation came ninth in the under 15’s category with an impressive time of 16 minutes and 44 seconds. 
Lisa Pottinger, Head of Sport & Physical Activity at Tower Hamlets Council said: “All of the young athletes put in a fantastic performance and should be proud of their efforts. 

“Doing the Mini Marathon is a great opportunity to be part of an international sporting event. The council is committed to supporting young athletes who are the sporting heroes of the future using events like the marathon and Olympics as inspiration.” 

The 42 Tower Hamlets runners faced stiff opposition from more than 1,500 competitors - in three categories covering girls and boys aged Under 13; Under 15 Under 17. 
The council’s Sports Development Team worked with Tower Hamlets and Victoria Park Athletics club to provide training sessions for the youngsters in the run up to the race with training sessions at Mile End Stadium.

Any young person aged 11 to 17 and who lives or studies in the borough is eligible to take part in the mini marathon.