Marghini claims first place in under-15 girls’ race

Westminster’s Yasmin Marghini won the London Mini Marathon Borough Challenge in the under-15 category and finished fourth overall.

Marghini, 15, is part of Westminster City Council’s Champions of the Future scheme and finished the 5k course in 16 minutes 46 seconds, beating her previous best by 30 seconds.

The youngster also won the Junior British Athletes challenge at last year’s Vitality Westminster Mile, and became the third fastest female ever to complete the Highbury Fields parkrun.

She is also a winner of the Champions of the Future prize at the 2016 ActiveWestminster Awards, which celebrate those who change lives through their outstanding contribution to sport in the borough.

She said: “The Mini Marathon was really fun and it was amazing to win. It was great how everyone was cheering as well, especially around Big Ben and St James Park, and everyone was really happy when I crossed the finish line.

“I came fourth nationally this year which was I was pleased with, but I finished fourth last year as well, but all the times of the top four were really close. I was able to cut 30 seconds off my personal best last year so I was really happy with that.

“I’m also running the Westminster Mile in May, which I won last year. I’m hoping to win again, and I’m really hoping to break the course record for my category. Last year I ran the course in 5.01, and the record is 4.59 so I was only two seconds off!

“I’ve been training really hard to represent England in my age category in the 3000 metres, and if not this year then I’ll work really hard for next year. It’s my goal and my dream to eventually run in the Olympics so I’ll keep working really hard to achieve it one day.”

The Vitality Westminster Mile takes place on Sunday May 28 and is ideal for people who are new to physical activity and is raced based on people’s estimated time.

There are races for wheelchair users, family races, elite runners, and an Olympian wave with Olympic athletes. The mile has previously seen David Weir CBE break the world record for achieving a sub-three minute mile.

The Champions of the Future scheme gives young athletes under 17 financial support and mentoring to help with training and development.

Anyone who lives studies or works in Westminster and competes in a sport at district, regional, national or international level and can apply to be a part of the scheme.

The scheme is part of a wider commitment to get more children and young people healthy and active across Westminster.