Double Olympian Liz Yelling made a special visit to Poole Grammar recently on behalf of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival to celebrate the school winning a prestigious athletics competition.
There were a total of 26 local schools taking part in the junior races, held in association with Active Dorset at last year’s Bournemouth Marathon Festival and Poole Grammar emerged on top.
Commonwealth Games marathon medallist Yelling met pupils from the winning school on Tuesday 2 June to present them with their trophy and £150 worth of sports equipment vouchers.
Young runners aged 6-8 took part in the 1.5k race, and 9-12 year olds raced over 2k as part of a packed weekend of running last October which also includes the Speed of Light 5k, Supersonic 10k, Half Marathon and Marathon.
The races attracted youngsters from all over the UK and the competition for local schools ensured a healthy entry nearing 500, mainly from surrounding Dorset schools. The winning team from Poole Grammar consisted of Ollie Mankertz, 12, Joshua Jennings, 11 and Owen Silcox, 13.
Liz Yelling, who lives locally, said: “Congratulations to Poole Grammar School on winning the Schools Competition at the Bournemouth Marathon Festival. I look forward to seeing them trying to defend their title at this year’s event in October.
“The Bournemouth Marathon Festival is now into its third year and is already established as a must-do event in Dorset. It’s great to see children getting fully involved in the junior races. Better still, when they get to watch mum and dad taking part in the other events. It really is a fantastic weekend for all the family.”
The junior races start on Bournemouth Prom and finish near the Bournemouth Marathon Festival Hub in the Lower Gardens. The coastal route takes in the full length of Bournemouth Pier. Each finisher receives a medal, finishers t-shirt, race recovery pack and, timed result.
This year’s races will take place from 2pm on Saturday 3 October, ahead of the Supersonic 10k and Speed of Light 5k and one day before the half marathon and marathon. For more information, including entry details see www.run-bmf.com.
