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Youngsters invited to Virgin Money Giving London Mini Marathon trials

Author: Pawan Dhande

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Children and young people from across the borough are being encouraged to take part in open trials for the Virgin Money Giving London Mini Marathon. In total, 36 Barnet youngsters will be selected to run the three mile course which stretches from London's Old Billingsgate to The Mall.

The 5km trial will be held at Oak Hill Park on Saturday 11 March at 9am. Those interested in competing should visit the Barnet website in advance for information on the registration process and age categories – participants much register and download their barcode prior to attending the run.

Athletes that qualify will be running in the footsteps of the previous winner of the Mini London Marathon, four time Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah.

Last year 35 young people represented Barnet at the 2016 Mini London Marathon which was opened by British Gymnast Max Whitlock and saw over 1,600 young people run the last 3 miles of the London Marathon route.

Councillor Sachin Rajput, Chairman of the Adults and Safeguarding Committee said: “I am pleased to see that we are able to support this brilliant opportunity once again. Not only does long-distance running get our young residents exploring the borough, it is a great form of exercise that keeps them healthy.

“This may even be the first step towards a future gold medal‎ for one of our young athletes.”

The selection process for Barnet’s runners is being coordinated by Barnet Council, Saracens Sports Foundation, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers Athletics Club and Oak Hill Parkrun.