Highlights
The TCS Mini London Marathon is back.
Heading into the 40th edition of this inspirational event, it’s bigger than ever, with even more children getting active to support their schools.
More than 18,000 children aged 4 to 17 have registered to run, jog, walk, or wheel along a one-mile or 2.6 km course on April 26 in the heart of the capital, crossing the iconic finish line just past Buckingham Palace on The Mall.
The TCS Mini London Marathon is not just about a single day or moment in time, it represents an opportunity to inspire young people and help them understand the benefits of active lifestyles.
That is why Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) continues to donate £10 for each child finishing the event, with that money going to their school to be used for physical education (PE) or information technology (IT) equipment. Last year, 13,000 participants raised over £129,000, and the funding benefited schools and their children in various ways, such as helping to improve bike riding ability, enabling fun active events like colour runs, and boosting community and school spirit with new sports kits.
Inspiring future generations has been hugely important for TCS through its 50-year history in the UK. While watching world-class athletes and amateur participants tackle the same course is inspirational for younger generations, offering them the chance to create their own impact is where real empowerment happens. Here are some of the ways children and teachers around the UK have stepped up to support their schools.
From clothing to coaching, floodlights to footballs, the money provided by TCS has been used by schools to fund a wide variety of improvements to their active offering.
Manor Infants/Longbridge used the funding to buy skipping ropes, bicycles, and helmets. This helped hundreds of students improve their cycling skills and, this year, the school aims to give children more confidence in the water.
“The money we hope to collect from our 2025 engagement is being targeted at our next life-skill project, which is to increase our swimming offering and improve the statistics of children leaving our school with that important life skill.”
Bullers Wood School for Boys used the donation to buy vests for cross-country and athletic competitions.
“We’d never had any athletics kit before receiving this money, so students had to wear PE kit. Having proper athletics vests has allowed students to represent the school in a high-quality kit that is more suitable for competition.”
Other schools have used the funding to improve their technology resources, acquiring items like computer equipment and headphones. Students taking part can take pride in their accomplishments and the tangible impact they've made on their schools.
We’d never had any athletics kit before receiving this money, so students had to wear PE kits. Having proper athletics vests has allowed students to represent the school in high-quality kit that is more suitable for competition.
Teachers play a crucial role in getting children to the start line of the TCS Mini London Marathon.
The dedication, commitment, and support of teachers across the UK is essential in encouraging children to get involved each year. Their efforts make more young people take on the TCS Mini London Marathon challenge and experience the unforgettable journey it provides.
Many educators will also participate in the TCS London Marathon the next day, with some taking part as ‘Team TCS Teachers’. This initiative started by TCS provides teachers with the opportunity to take part in marathons around the world whilst also giving their schools access to TCS’ flagship science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, goIT and Ignite My Future.
Teachers are extremely important members of our communities and TCS is committed to supporting these professionals around the world as they develop and nurture the next generation of innovators.
In a rapidly evolving world, giving children and their teachers the tools and skills to adapt to change is essential, and we’re delighted to be able to provide educators with a platform to amplify their efforts as they help young people thrive.
Teachers and their pupils play an important part in their communities.
The TCS London Marathon also intends to have a huge impact in tackling some of society’s biggest challenges.
In 2024, a new world record was set for an annual one-day fundraising event, with £73.5 million raised for charity, breaking the previous best of £66.4 million set by the event in 2019.
Since the first marathon in 1981, more than £1.3 billion has been raised for worthwhile causes.
So, whether you’re participating in the event, attending in person to cheer on those taking part, or donating to someone’s chosen charity, you can be proud of the incredible impact you’re having on society through the TCS London Marathon.