There's a moment just before a race starts when you can feel the excitement in the crowd. At this year's Stroud Half Marathon, more than 100 children from schools across the Stroud district got to be part of that feeling. And just after the half marathon runners set off, it was their turn: one mile, plenty of cheers and a race of their very own.
Little runners, a big race day
Some of our youngest Mini-Milers were just four years old. They got to watch the grown-ups get ready for their big race, hear the crowd cheer them on, and then find out what it feels like to stand on a start line themselves.
Some children ran every step. Others ran alongside a parent or family member. What stood out was how determined they were to give it a go, and how much it meant to hear someone cheering for them. There were plenty of smiles along the way, too.
A mile to feel proud of
A mile can feel like a long way when you're four (or when you're a grown-up, for that matter!). Every child who took part has something to be proud of. We hope they came away thinking, I did that. Maybe I'll do it again.
At Atlas Games, we love seeing children find something active they enjoy. The Mini-Mile gave them a chance to try running in a crowd, share a race day with their families and feel what it's like to have their community behind them.
The Mini-Mile in pictures
Thank you, Stroud 💙
We're proud to have sponsored the first Mini-Mile. Thank you to the race organisers and volunteers who made it possible, and to every family member and spectator who cheered the children on. And to the young runners: we hope you're still smiling about it. We certainly are.
You can also read the Stroud Times coverage of the half marathon and Mini-Mile.
Dan's our Co-Founder & Creative Director, and a dad to two outdoorsy, adventure-mad little girls. When he's not shaping the Atlas experience, you'll find him in the woods, plotting the next mini-adventure, or burning off energy with anything ball-shaped. Family first, fun always.
