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Leisure • Physical Activity • Sport

The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

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The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

Over 8,000 finishers. One iconic route. A world-record pyjama party.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile filled the heart of the capital with family fun, record-breaking moments and an unforgettable celebration of movement.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile took over central London, with more than 8,000 finishers completing the iconic route around St James’s Park from The Mall to a spectacular finish outside Buckingham Palace.

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Karen Scarborough, got the day under way as starter for the first wave, while Councillors Robert Rigby and Ben Sewell were among those joining in and celebrating the occasion.

The Mall became the world’s biggest pyjama party as hundreds of children, parents and families tackled the mile in PJs, stripes and fleecy onesies. From toddlers in buggies to three generations crossing the line together, the day captured what this London 2012 legacy event is all about: making activity fun, accessible and inclusive.

The buzz continued at the free Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, with cricket, basketball, dance, martial arts, crafts and high-energy Guinness World Record challenges. Olympians Chris Thompson and Montell Douglas joined the fun, before Cameron Boyek won the men’s BMC Bannister Mile and Kate Axford equalled the women’s course record in 4:23.

Run Back the Highlights

What an amazing day! A huge thank you to the organisers, sponsors, partners and volunteers who made it all possible, and to every participant who brought such incredible energy to the course. Together, you made the 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile an iconic, record-breaking celebration that Westminster will never forget.

Ready for another unforgettable mile? Entries for the 2027 Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday 25 September are now open.

Lock In Your Mile

Move, Groove, Connect And Celebrate This Black History Month

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Get Ready To Move, Groove And Connect This October For Black History Month

 
Join a special, all-levels Pilates session celebrating movement, wellness and unity at Porchester Leisure Centre.
Black History Month - Rnb Pilates Class Flyer, off white background, with hurdles to hoops logo and black text with class details and picture of instructor and champions of the future athlete Melita
Move, stretch and celebrate to the best R&B tunes at our special Pilates class.

A celebration for movement

Come along on Saturday 3 October, from 3pm to 4pm, for a special Black History Month Pilates class at Porchester Leisure Centre, W2 5HS. This isn’t just any Pilates class. – you’ll move, stretch and connect to the best R&B tunes.
 
Open to all levels, the session will be led by local basketball star and Champion of the Future athlete Melita Carr-Emanuele.

Honouring our communities

Black History Month is a national moment for reflection, recognition and celebration, honouring Black contributions to Britain’s past, present and future. The 2026 theme, Honouring Our Communities, highlights the everyday people whose leadership, care, creativity and commitment help communities thrive.

Celebrating black excellence in Westminster

Across Westminster, Black residents are making a difference in sport, wellbeing and community life. This special session celebrates that impact through movement, connection and unity.

Come along, take part and celebrate with us.

Bright Ideas, Big Impact: Bring Your Vision To Life With Up To £500

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Bright Ideas, Big Impact: Bring Your Vision To Life With Up To £500

Aged 16–25 and ready to make a difference in Westminster? The Youth Empowerment Fund could help bring your community idea to life.

Orange and green flyer with all details in black text and a black and white picture of young people and a QR code that people can scan.
Got a bright idea for your community? Apply for up to £500 and turn it into something with real impact.

Funding to power your idea

Young people can apply for up to £500 to create a project that makes a positive difference locally. Launched by Young Westminster Foundation and St Giles & St George, the Youth Empowerment Fund is designed to help young people turn fresh thinking into meaningful community action.

Ready to make it happen? Don’t leave your idea on the drawing board. Find out more about the fund and take the first step towards making a difference.

Bring Your Idea To Life

Access More Free Training This Autumn

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Access More Free Training This Autumn

ActiveWestminster’s Foundation Training Programme continues this autumn with two more FREE workshops at North Paddington Youth Centre this Autumn.

Yellow, Blue and Green Foundation Training Flyer with yellow and and white text with offer details, and a picture of female football coach with female footballer
FREE training to build safer, more inclusive sport in Westminster.

Coaches, volunteers, teachers, youth workers and community organisations can build practical skills to help make sessions safer, more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

The Emergency First Aid at Work course on Monday 5 October is now fully booked. Thank you to everyone who signed up — it is great to see such strong interest in gaining life-saving skills.

Upcoming training

Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop
Wednesday 7 October, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Build confidence in recognising concerns, responding appropriately and creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people.

Inclusive Coaching Workshop
Wednesday 4 November, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Learn how to adapt activities so disabled people can take part with confidence in more accessible and inclusive sessions.

Places are limited, so sign up now and bring new skills back to your club, group or community session.

Book Your Place

Your Nomination Could Make Their Year

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Nominations for the ActiveWestminster Awards 2026 Now Open

These annual awards recognise the communities and individuals who make Westminster a great place to get and stay active. Now in its 17th year, we look forward to receiving your nominations and celebrating the people and organisations who help us create an active city for everyone. 

Nominations close at midnight on Monday 28th September. 

You can nominate in the following categories:

  • Active Inclusive Award
  • Rewarding and Celebrating Diversity Award
  • Change4life Supporting Children and Young People Award
  • One You Westminster Supporting Adults Award
  • Active Place or Space Award
  • PE and School Sport Award
  • Club or Coach of the Year Award
  • Sports Personality of The Year Award, for anyone aged 12 and over
  • The Lord Mayor of Westminster – Unsung Hero Award, in memory of Mariam Sabir

Make a difference and nominate now to recognise those who have supported the people who live, work and study in Westminster lead active and healthier lives.

Nominate Now

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Just Turn Up And Get Moving

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Just Turn Up and Get Moving

Free, fun and pressure-free multisport sessions are landing at Paddington Recreation Ground for young people aged 11 to 16. No trials, no stress, no need to be sporty, just turn up, move, play and have a laugh.

Just Turn Up flyer - Black and White photo of 4 young black youths sitting together, neon yellow boarder and black text with initiative details.
Move, play, try something new. No pressure, just fun.

FREE sessions every week

Just Turn Up gives 11 to 16 year olds a welcoming space to get active, try different activities and enjoy time with others at their own pace.

Sessions take place every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 5pm at Paddington Recreation Ground. Meet on the MUGA by the track and get ready to move, play and see what you enjoy.

No pressure, just play

These open, inclusive multisport sessions are all about having fun in a safe and supportive space. You can join in, try something new, build confidence or simply enjoy being active with others.

You do not need experience, fancy kit or a perfect game plan. Come as you are, bring your energy and have a go – everyone is welcome.

Ready when you are

Whether you want to run around, learn a new skill, meet people or shake off the school day, Just Turn Up is a simple way to get involved without any fuss.

Just turn up and join the fun. Free sessions run every Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm to 5pm, on the MUGA by the track at Paddington Recreation Ground.