Youngsters enjoy mini-marathon and mini-GEAR experience

Two of the most iconic races of the year – one local and one national – happened over the last week and West Norfolk Athletic Club’s youngsters tackled both.Some of the club’s youngsters took to the streets of London for the mini-marathon, organised by their high school, KES Academy.The club was very grateful to the school for securing the places and the juniors had a fantastic time running the iconic final stretch of the marathon outside Buckingham Palace.With 18,000 mini-marathon entrants over the day, the runners were split into waves.Over the 2.6k course, Henry Gosnell was first home and fifth in his wave with 9.03. Aidan Howard and Olivia Ord joined forces over the route and finished in 10.24 and 10.25, respectively.Luke Anderson ran alongside and encouraged Wilf Gosnell to finish in 12.23 and 12.24.It was such a brilliant experience for them and they all came away with their own London marathon medal.Back to local racing, the popular GEAR 10k and Mini GEAR took place last weekend. The mini GEAR takes part over a 1.8k course, around the Tuesday Market Place, along the river and back through historic Lynn.The club had a huge turnout of runners taking part and the team spirit on the day was evident.No places or times are given with the nature of the fun run, but the juniors certainly put their hard training to the test with many top places and lots of improvements on last year’s times.