WOW — what a marathon of a morning it was for our incredible Pennthorpe pupils!
We are bursting with pride as we celebrate the achievements of the 25 young athletes who took part in Saturday’s TCS Mini London Marathon. Each one of them gave it their all, with energy, determination, and endless smiles lighting up the route through St James’s Park, Green Park, and past the iconic Buckingham Palace.
The atmosphere was electric. From the moment the first runners set off, the excitement was palpable — high-fives flying, cheers echoing through the parks, and a sense of pure joy uniting competitors and supporters alike. It was a true celebration of community spirit, personal challenge, and sporting excellence.
A huge thank you must go to our brilliant staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare and support our runners. Their organisation, encouragement, and (in many cases!) sprinting between cheering points helped create an unforgettable experience for our pupils. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to the parents, families, and friends who came out in force to support — your energy and cheers spurred the children on every step of the way.
Mr. Chris Murray, Headmaster of Pennthorpe, reflected on the day: “It was a moment of great pride as I ran alongside boys and girls from our Reception to Year 6. Their determination, enthusiasm, and sheer joy throughout the race truly embodied everything we value at Pennthorpe. It was wonderful to see them rise to the challenge, support one another, and represent our school with such spirit and positivity.”
Events like the Mini Marathon are about so much more than just running. They help our children develop resilience, perseverance, and self-belief — qualities that will stay with them long after the finish line is crossed. They also strengthen friendships, create lifelong memories, and foster the sense of belonging that lies at the heart of our Pennthorpe community.
Mr. Matt Barnett, Director of Sport at Pennthorpe added, “Running the Mini London Marathon with the pupils was a journey of shared success, determination and resilience. Together, we crossed the finish line not just as runners, but as school proud of its achievements. Every individual put in 100% and running Infront of thousands of people past Buckingham Palace is an experience we will never forget.”
On Saturday, our pupils didn’t just take part; they shone. They showed courage, kindness, and determination — and they had a lot of fun along the way too!
Congratulations to all our runners — we couldn’t be prouder of you!