Hoyle Family Takes on Junior & Mini Challenge

The theme of this year’s AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great South Run on Saturday 19 October is ‘Finding Your Superpower,’ and we’re celebrating some of the incredible young runners who embody this spirit.

The Hoyle family is excited to participate in this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run. Five children, along with their accompanying adults, will be taking part in this year’s mini race.

Dexter, who is 5 years old, will be running alongside his twin sisters, Monica and Uma, both aged 3. Joining them are their friends, Adya (3) and Anik (4), a brother and sister traveling from London to join in the fun. Meanwhile, Dexter’s cousins—Thomas (9), Henry (12), and Oliver (14)—will be competing in the junior run. They are coming from Essex to take part in the race.

This will be Dexter’s third race, as well as Thomas, Henry, and Oliver’s third time participating in the event. The Hoyle family places great importance on running, with mother Anjali saying “Running is really important. It is a wonderful way for both children and adults to stay active, spend time outdoors, and boost their mental well-being. It promotes a healthy mindset towards both mind and body, and since many sports incorporate running, it helps develop well-rounded athletic skills. The children love it.”

But there’s a deeper reason. The family is raising money for the Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association, a charity that is deeply important to them. Dexter, who has Down Syndrome, receives tremendous support from the association through development groups and guidance. The charity has been an invaluable resource, offering a welcoming community and vital assistance to the Hoyle family.

Simon shares, “Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association has been a lifeline for us. The support they’ve provided for Dexter and our family has been immeasurable, and we are honoured to raise money for such a meaningful cause.”

The Hoyles are a family of runners. Dexter’s father, Simon, is running the 10-mile race for the second time, and his mother, Anjali, is running the 5km race. The whole family enjoys participating in parkruns, both for adults and juniors. Simon and Anjali have also completed half-marathon relays together, and between them, the family has finished five triathlons. Dexter’s Auntie Liz ran her first marathon this year, and Uncle Aman is preparing for his first half marathon this month.

Even Dexter’s grandmother, Birbala, nearly 80 years old, participated in last year’s GSR by walking the 5km event and has been joining parkruns ever since. In July 2022, Simon, Aman, and Oliver even took on the Three Peaks Challenge together.

Dexter’s enthusiasm for these events inspired the family to sign up once again. Anhali says: “Running gives Dexter a goal to work towards, especially since he walks with a frame. His sisters, Uma and Monica, have always enjoyed watching the races and were eager to join in this year. We were always going to take part this year, and hope we do for many years to come.”

There are less than 50 places remaining for this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run! Click here to sign up before they’re all gone.