Schoolchildren ran a half marathon to raise money for a hospice.

A total of nine schools took part in the Vitality North London Half Marathon Schools Challenge on Sunday in aid of St Luke’s Hospice, based in Stanmore.

Pupils from Barham Primary School, Cedars Manor School, Oakington Manor Primary School, St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School Belmont covered 12.1 miles by running a mile a week in the run-up to the half marathon.

St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School Willesden, Sinai Primary School, The Swaminarayam School and West Lodge Primary School also took part in the challenge.

Schoolchildren ran the final mile of their half marathon challenge with their teachers on Sunday, March 15, and also had a chance to meet Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m champion Mo Farah at the start of the race.

Sue Mason, of St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, in Belmont, said: “Excitement had been building over the last few weeks at the prospect of seeing Mo Farah and running the last mile around the Allianz Stadium, home of Saracens RFC.

“The children have been running two miles each week in preparation as well as collecting sponsorship for St Luke's Hospice. It was an uplifting experience to see the children so excited.”

Emmeline, eight, added: “It was a fab day; everyone had fun even though it was cold and we all felt like champions.”

Jade Smart, 23, took part to raise money for St Luke’s with friends Anthony Neal and James Fairhead, having collectively raised more than £3,700 for the Hospice.

Jade said: “I really wanted to challenge myself as well as raise money for a worthy cause! The event was really fun, it was well organised and the route was fantastic.

“Running through Wembley Stadium was so motivational. I would recommend people definitely take part in runs.

“You do need to train a lot but the feeling after you have finished is amazing. St Luke’s do great work for local people and it’s nice to give something back.”