A HOST of Orion Harrier runners will line up on the start line for the London Mini Marathon after excelling in the trials race around Stratford City shopping centre.

Orion topped the standings in most races around the 4.5km course, which saw three hundred juniors from the London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Newham compete.

To finish inside the top eight from their borough was the goal for Orion’s runners, as that would almost guarantee their place at the showcase event on April 17.

Chingford-based Orion’s quality shone through on the day, with the under-13 boys and girls leading the way.

A one-two-three-four-five was achieved by Charlie Weston, Callum McLarty, Daniel Richards, George Day and George Hart, while that feat was emulated by Isabella Hoy, Madeline Carr, Katie Inch, Talya Abbott and Sophie Grant in the girls’ race.

Essex county runners Georgia Tuckfield and Sydney Taylor enjoyed terrific runs to cement their place on the start line for the London Mini Marathon, coming home in first and second respectively in the girls’ U15 race.

For the boys, Cheyenne Antoine-Chagar was first home for Orion in second place, with Matthew Boyce and George Hoy in third and fourth. Jack Waller and Daniel Wellard-Jeffs also made the top eight after solid performances.

U17 girls Claire Huggins and Melissa Timpson came second and third, while Alex Gordon and Buddy Green recorded the same result in the boys’ category.