A new junior parkrun launches this weekend thanks to a £4,800 donation from Rocester-based digger giant JCB to fund the start-up costs.
Young runners are invited to join the parkrun movement at a new event at Lyme Valley Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The free 2km fun run is the youth-only version of the popular adult 5km version which takes place at various locations across Staffordshire – and around the world – each Saturday morning at 9am. Junior parkruns, for four to 14-year-olds, take place on Sunday mornings at 9am.
Lyme Valley Parkway junior parkrun will host its first official event this Sunday, 16 March after 65 youngsters turned up to a test event last weekend.
Gareth Copley-Jones, who will co-direct the new event with Rose Marshall, said: “This could not have happened without the hard work of our team of volunteers, the support of the local council and, most of all, the generous donation from JCB. Without JCB’s help the parkrun would have never got off the ground. It’s wonderful to have a huge international company in our area with same local values around kids’ health as ourselves.
“We all want the best for our kids, but sometimes it’s difficult finding activities that are accessible, help them find new friends and most importantly don’t cost the earth. Junior parkrun is a fantastic movement dedicated to getting kids exercising, volunteering, and socialising on a Sunday morning.”
Youngsters do not need to run the course – they are also welcome to take part by jogging or walking, but they should register for a barcode in advance.
More information about junior parkruns is available here.
