Eleven girls took part in this year’s Finland Ice marathon, racing distances of 25km and 50km on Lake Kallavesi. Up against challenging, freezing cold conditions and many professional racers, Westminster’s group of experienced and novice skaters achieved solid results, with former Chinese team short-track speed skater and four-time inline speed skating national champion Lillie (Sixth Form, LL) finishing in 19^th place in the 50k event, followed by skating newcomer Lucy (Sixth Form, LL) in 31^st.

In the 25k event, Constance (Sixth Form, GG) took 33^rd place, with Emma (Sixth Form, WW), Zhentao (Sixth Form, GG) and Julie (Sixth Form, WW) all finishing in the top 40.

Finland’s annual Ice Marathon is a popular endurance competition, attracting contestants of all ages and abilities from across the world for decades. Despite limited training opportunities in the UK, Westminster’s Speed Skating Club has been travelling to Finland for the past 15 years to participate in the event.

Reflecting on her experience, Constance said: “My experience of the ice marathon was amazing! It was such a fun opportunity, and even though the marathon itself was challenging, it was a challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed. From the pea soup at the end of the race to the makings of our snow angels, every aspect of the trip I will remember for a very long time!”

Lillie added: “We were speeding on the ice shortly after arrival. It was great to be immersed in the festiveness at the event and see the Fins’ passion for skating. I did the 50 km marathon on Saturday morning, and it was three long, arduous hours racing against the freezing wind. It was a painful experience (genuinely) standing up after tripping over ice cracks for the twelfth time in a row, but completing the marathon felt rewarding and is certainly a highlight of my life.”

In addition to the pupils’ achievements, Westminster teacher CD Riches competed in, and won, his 25km potkukelkka race, which sees competitors use a small sled to cross the ice.