Smiling runner Mabel, 4, praised by one of world’s best ever athletes Paula Radcliffe

By Jill Dando News

Mabel is only 4 years old but is setting the world of running alight with her weekly Park Runs and beaming smile.

She has now had praise from Paula Radcliffe, the fastest world marathoner of all time, for her energy, smile and massive effort put in every Sunday morning in the 2km Park Run – come rain or shine.

Mabel is a reception pupil at East Huntspill Primary Academy in Somerset.

“Mabel, I think you are amazing and love your energy and attitude to running.”

Paula Radcliffe

She has been running for just over a year at the Cheddar Junior Park Run where she also volunteers.

Paula this week told Jill Dando News: “Mabel, I think you are amazing and love your energy and attitude to running. 

“Keeping it fun and learning how to get the most out of your body and mind while doing the things you love is a great recipe for success, not just in running but in life. 

“Good luck, keep it up and remember keep having fun and keep listening to your body.”

Last weekend Mabel embraced the good weather and joined her father at Burnham and Highbridge, a course she knows well as she has been pushed around countless times in the pram during her younger years. 

When we asked Mabel how running makes her feel she said “it makes me very happy and I love being out running with my Dad”.

Paula Radcliffe began running in Cheshire aged 7 with her dad, studied at Loughborough University and became one of Britain’s most successful ever runners. She was also the fastest female marathoner of all time, and held the Women’s World Marathon Record with a time of 2:15:25 for 16 years from 2003 to 2019.

East Huntspill Primary Academy and West Huntspill Primary Academy are community schools and have both been flying high in all areas since becoming part of The Priory Learning Trust.