See you at the start line, Sir Mo Farah tells runners ahead of Sunday’s Big Half

All together now: Sir Mo Farah, Sadiq Khan, members of Team Felix and Stanhope pupils today
Alex Lentati
Eleanor Rose2 March 2018

Sir Mo Farah today gave a motivational talk to runners in London’s new half-marathon who are supporting our Help A Hungry Child charity appeal.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist went to City Hall to meet runners and children from the school at the heart of the appeal, who are raising cash for food surplus charity The Felix Project.

Fifty-seven runners — including 14 selected through our special reader offer — will line up in Team Felix colours at the Big Half start line on Sunday.

Sir Mo, 34, performed his victory pose, The Mobot, with Mayor Sadiq Khan and pupils from Stanhope primary school. He reminded the runners to remember the “amazing cause” when they are feeling the burn on the 13.1-mile course.

Race info

 

Where to watch

The race begins at 9am. Spectators are not allowed in the start area, so pick a spot along the route. Go to Canary Wharf or hop on the Jubilee line to Bermondsey to catch runners at their ninth mile. Then take the DLR to Greenwich to cheer as they near the finish.

Entertainment

There are bands playing along the route. Catch the West End Musical Choir from 9am-11.30am at the Highway and Garnet Street, or the South London Jazz Orchestra 9.30am-noon at the Rotherhithe Tunnel roundabout.

The Big Festival

The fun doesn’t stop when the race is over. Head to Greenwich Park where the Vitality Big Festival will offer music by London performers — as well as food, “come and try” sports sessions, yoga classes and a science roadshow by the Science Museum.

Catch Haringey-based duo Divided Soul at 1.40pm on the Big Stage or singer-songwriter Simeon Hammond Dallas at 12.30pm on the Little Stage or 2pm on the Big Stage. Don’t miss Indie-pop band The Tailormade, who are the Big Stage’s final act at 2.40pm.

Cook with Felix

The Standard’s food surplus charity is also hosting a workshop at midday in the nutrition tent demonstrating how to cook up delicious dishes with leftover ingredients.

The Little Half 

A challenge for first-time runners and kids, this is a 2.4-mile run also taking place on Sunday. It starts in Southwark Park at 12.45pm and finishes at the Cutty Sark. Adults can take part for £5, children under 11 can run for free. It’s not a race, so you can just take part and have fun.

“Fighting food poverty among London’s children is so important,” said Sir Mo, who is also running. “Kids need good healthy food to help them grow, learn and fulfil their dreams. I’m backing Team Felix, and I’m looking forward to seeing you on the start line.” He said he would wear gloves and a hat and advised them to do so too, adding: “Just enjoy it — you’ve been training for it. Hopefully the weather will hold up!”

Simon Sinfield, who won a place in the Standard’s reader offer, said training for Team Felix had been exciting but meeting Sir Mo was “the best of all”. The stage manager from Woolwich said: “I’m 53 so I can’t just go out and run a half-marathon like I could in my twenties. You just have to remember it’s helping children — meeting them as well as Sir Mo is a huge motivator.”

Four children with dreams of sports careers made their way through the snow today from Stanhope in Greenford, where Felix launched its first market stall stocked with fresh, free food in December. Headteacher Sahreen Siddiqui said: “A lot of kids at school have watched Sir Mo’s achievements on TV but would never have had the chance to meet him. This will inspire them.” One, Kya Racine, 11, said: “I love sprinting and my personal dream is to be the fastest runner in the world. Meeting Mo makes me feel if I keep working hard I can achieve something.” Mr Khan said: “Thousands of Londoners will be taking part and everyone running for Team Felix should feel extremely proud of that cause. Their efforts will help address the very serious problem of food poverty in this city.” The Big Half is set to go ahead despite the snow. Runners will be contacted by 2pm on Saturday to confirm.

There is still time to back Team Felix on Sunday. Visit this link to donate

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