School children fundraising at train station

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I was travelling through the city after midday today and two boys (maybe age 12-14) came up to me at the station. They had a printed A4 sheet in a plastic pocket and said they were doing a 10k run to raise funds for children who have been bullied to have a boxing gym.

Full disclosure I didn't believe them. Partly as I have seen dishevelled children raising money in this way before and think there's an unscrupulous adult behind it, and that the funds aren't going, or aren't fully going, to the cause they say it is, even when they have photos and a name of the organisation. I also thought they should be in school, and what responsible adult would allow them to fundraise for youth services on a station (and train as they continued on the train I was on). The story doesn't make sense either as I am not sure many 12 year olds can run 10k?! That is an awful long way unless you are elite. On their second way through I asked one of them who was running the 10k and they first said there's us and then said me and my friend on this train, as if they didn't know the right answer to say. I also heard a man further down saying to them how it was a huge stretch to run 10k.

I don't know why but I got talking to a lady who had given them money and she said she took a photo of the paper and that they were raising money for a boxing gym. She thought they were and I thought I'm super cynical.

Do you think the money was going to a gym? Moreover, should I report it as a possible safeguarding concern?

They should have been in school. Not sure who you could have reported it to though, because in town they could have come from anywhere.

I guess with hindsight, you could've asked them what school they were from, and either theyd be reluctant to tell you, or you could have reported school sending them out touting for money at a station (even if for charity).
Fwiw, i don't actually think a 10k event is too much for 12 year olds - we had a sponsored 10 mile walk every year at primary school, and many 6 year olds completed that - most children should be capable of walking or running some distance (sadly many don't nowadays). And 10k runs are not always completed rapidly, many participants will walk some of the route.

Oh haha I am evidently out of touch with running. Ive texted British Transport Police with concern as to whether they were appropriately supervised and if it was legitimate.

I think in any case, station permission is needed to fundraise at a station, and getting that permission (from experience) is like fort knox where they gatekeep which charities are allowed. Otherwise anyone could do it.

They should have been in school, but the majority of 12 - 14 year olds could do10k. It's not a huge distance and they are probably fitter than most adults who don't run. There's nothing 'elite' about it. They might not run all the way, but they can certainly manage it.

It won't be an organised 10k though as the minimum age is 15. I know this as DS 14 is really into running, can easily do 10k and is quite annoyed he's not allwoed to compete yet.

Yanbu they are probably going to spend it on ketamine.

12 year olds should be able to run 10k. It's true they are often not allowed to enter organized events though for insurance purposes. I have a 16 year old patiently waiting to be able to enter a marathon.

If in doubt don't give money. If you feel it is a cause you want to give money to then ask them for the contact details if the adult in charge.

Maybe for general public events, but schools sometimes organise them for their pupils and parents, e.g: emmergreen10k.org.uk/the-events/

Yeah that wouldn't have been legit.

I think you did the right thing OP. Hope no one was taken in my this likely scam.

And looks like he can do the National Trust one, if an adult accompanies him: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/stowe-gardens/events/cd7fb6c7-7a9e-4a6a-83af-1d30e93016cf

They called it a 10k fun run. Is running 10k fun 🤣?

I googled and can't see any examples of a childrens 10k fun run but maybe it was their own, like 'sponsored bike ride'. They were learning maths to be fair as they counted the 5ps and pennies in a plastic bag behind me.

Hi OP not sure where you are but around Islington and Canary Wharf etc this is a known scam unfortunately.

Lots of posts about it on Facebook. Can you report to the boxing club they said they were from? Unfortunately it’s Traveller children being coerced by older males, often hiding a little bit out of sight. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hornseyvillagelife/posts/3296473450558641/

Was it these lads by any chance?

I didn't want to say they were traveller children. They were well kempt. I think its that gypsy programme from C4 it makes you think ah eck maybe its their culture. But regular time out of school - not okay.