Two pupils at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor in Harrogate put their running shoes on to compete in the TCS Mini Marathon in London – 24 hours before their dads took part in the main event!
Thomas Badger and Emily Wilcock, both pupils in Year 5 at Belmont Grosvenor School, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, took 9 minutes and 54 seconds to complete the one-mile race through St James’ Park, London, starting at Horse Guard’s Parade and ending at The Mall.
The pair were just two of thousands of young runners taking part in this year’s event, and they raised more than £2000 for charity Blood Cancer UK. They loved being part of the London Marathon weekend.
“It was so much fun, and we’re so happy to have got medals. We loved it,” said Emily.
Twenty-four-hours later, Thomas and Emily’s dads, James Badger and Nick Wilcock, took on the London Marathon.
An extraordinary achievement in itself, made even more remarkable as they had just completed a “Peaks and Pedals to the Palace” challenge which saw them climb the UK’s three highest mountains, cycle from Snowdon to London, and then run the marathon – all within five days!
After losing his wife Philippa four years ago, father-of-three Mr Badger has raised £530,000 for Blood Cancer UK to fund a research project in her name.
