Hundreds of schoolgirls and their families stampeded across Wimbledon Common in fun run.

Pupils from Wimbledon High School in Mansell Road, SW19, roped in their dads, brothers and teachers to join them in running either 2,000m or 5,000m on Saturday, April 23, the day before the London Marathon.

The aim of the game was exercise, but prizes were awarded for speed and the best costumes.

Former British 400m champion runner Allison Curbishley and BBC Radio 2 sports presenter Vassos Alexander launched the event and shouted encouragement.

Head teacher Jane Lunnon, said: “It’s so important for girls in particular to enjoy doing exercise – finding their sport for life – and a Fun Run is an excellent way to inspire them. 

“It's not just about exercise of course, all sorts of other benefits come from learning to run : good mental health, resilience, time outdoors. We're delighted that so many of our girls, staff and parents (more than 400) were showing how it's done on Saturday.” 

Wimbledon Times:

Wimbledon High School's 'Because I'm a Girl' walk

The run came on the heels of the School’s 10k ‘Because I’m a Girl’ walk for Plan UK, a charity which helps girls who are in forced marriages or denied education. It was announced last week that the event raised an incredible £12,000.

Amy Wong of Year 13 at Wimbledon High, who was among the 600 girls taking part, said: “Doing the walk gave us a better perspective; we’re more appreciative of what we have and why raising awareness is so important.”