New course records and record turnout for 2018 Ealing Mini Mile
The Ealing Mini Mile took place recently and saw hundreds of young runners complete this popular mile race around West London’s Lammas Park.
With five separate age category races and a new Family Mini Mile, the event celebrated the highest turnout of young runners to date. The autumn sunshine shone brightly as each of the Mini Mile races took place over the course of the afternoon and, as has come to be expected of this much-loved community event, the atmosphere was incredible. The youngsters received huge support and plenty of cheering as they made their way round and completed the individual races.
Ealing Mini Mile is open to youngsters aged 6-16 and this was the first year that the Mini Mile event incorporated a Family Mini Mile event for children aged 5 and under, encouraging young runners of all ages to get active and enjoy the thrill of a big sporting event. It was a superb day out for families and a fantastic precursor to Ealing Half Marathon taking place the following day.
Local independent Catholic girls’ school St Augustine’s Priory returned as sponsor for the Ealing Mini Mile for the second consecutive year, with a field of over 60 pupils taking part in the races and a team of volunteers supporting the event.
Lining up at the start were children from local schools and junior members of local athletics clubs, as well as children of those running the half marathon event on the Sunday. There were also a large number of youngsters who had never taken part in a running event before, so excitement was high for this sell-out event and there were scenes of celebration as the young runners crossed the finish line and received their well-earned medals.
Of particular excitement was the new Ealing Mini Mile course records by the winners of the 12-16 age category. Marcus West of Ealing Southall and Middlesex AC won the boys’ race in a time of 5:13 and Ellie Osmond of South London Harriers won the girls’ race for the second year running, beating her previous time by 18 seconds to come in at 5:31.
For all results please go to www.ealinghalfmarathon.com/results .
Race Director Sandra Courtney commented, “We are thrilled with the turnout for the 2018 Ealing Mini Mile and congratulations to all our young runners who crossed the finish line. The whole afternoon was superb, with amazing support from the crowd and incredible efforts from the children – plus beautiful weather to top it off! We were excited to bring in the Family Mini Mile this year which proved to be really popular, inspiring children of all ages to get active with their families and friends. It was the perfect start to a big weekend of sport in Ealing and thank you to all our participants and supporters for making the day so special. A particular thank you to St Augustine’s Priory, our sponsor for the Ealing Mini Mile, for all their support.”
Entries for the 2019 Ealing Half Marathon are now open. Entries to the 2019 Ealing Mini Mile will be opening shortly.