A schoolgirl is believed to be the fastest eight-year-old girl to run a 5k in the world after she ran the distance in just over 20 minutes.

Lily Janmohamed, eight, ran the 5k (3.1 miles) route at Battersea Parkrun in southwest London in an incredible 20 minutes and 16 seconds on Saturday (April 26).

The previous record for the fastest eight-year-old to run a 5k was held by Gabrielle Hall - who completed it in 20 minutes and 30 seconds in 2015.

As Lily has beaten this time, she is now believed to be the fastest eight-year-old in the world and said she was "so happy and proud" when she realised she had broken the record. "

If you are under the age of 11, then you have to run Parkrun with an adult so Lily was accompanied by Made in Chelsea reality star Joshua Patterson - who she said "helped her so much."

She said: "When I crossed the finish line and heard my time, I couldn't believe it."

"I was just so happy and proud. "

"I knew I had to try my absolute best today, and having Joshua Patterson by my side helped me so much. "

"He kept telling me I was doing great and that gave me the energy to keep going when it got hard. "

"Beating the record felt like a dream come true. I still can't stop smiling about it."

Her dad Faizal, 40, added that he is "beyond proud" of his daughter and says that watching her reach the finish line was "one of the most emotional moments he's had as a father."

Faizal said: "I am beyond proud of Lily for what she achieved. "

"Watching her give everything she had, from the very first step to the sprint at the finish line, was one of the most emotional moments I've had as a father. "

"The focus, the grit, and the sheer joy she showed were remarkable. "

"To break a world record at just eight years old is incredible, but what I'm most proud of is her attitude—her humility, her excitement, and her willingness to push her own limits."

Lily, of Stanmore, Middlesex, was originally inspired by her brother Daniyal, nine - who is currently trying to beat the world record for the quickest nine-year-old boy to run a 5k - to start running.

She says running makes her feel "so free and strong" and that this weekend was "one of the happiest days of her life."

Lily, who runs three times a week, said: "Running makes me feel so free and strong, like I can do anything. "

"I love chasing new goals and getting better each time. "

"This weekend was one of the happiest days of my life, and I'm so thankful to everyone who helped me and my mum and dad for always supporting me. "

"I can't wait to see what's next."

Faizal, who runs a marketing company, hasn't contacted Guinness World Records just yet, as Lily hopes that she will be able to run a 5k in under 20 minutes before going for the official confirmation of the world record.

The schoolgirl says that she knows this will be "really tough" but she knows she will be able to do it if she "keeps believing in herself."

Lily said: "Now, my next big goal is to try and break 20 minutes with Joshua Patterson and make it official for Guinness World Records. "

"It feels a little bit scary but exciting too."

"I know it's going to be really tough, but I love a challenge and I love running fast. "

"I'm going to keep training hard and keep believing in myself, just like everyone believes in me."