Sunday 25th November saw the launch of Macclesfield’s very own Junior Parkrun, taking place in Victoria Park.
Junior Parkruns are weekly, 2km, volunteer-led timed runs for children aged 4-14 years old. They take place at 9.30am every Sunday in parks across the world.
In April 2018, volunteers – supported by Macclesfield Town Council – launched a weekly 5k Parkrun in South Park. It has seen huge success with numbers averaging 250 every week.
There will even be a Parkrun in South Park on Christmas Day this year for those people wishing to get some fresh air before settling in to enjoy their Christmas lunch.
Helena Gowler, community engagement officer for Macclesfield Town Council, commented: “When we saw just how successful the 5k Parkrun was, the town council really wanted to build on that and bring Parkrun to Macclesfield in a big way. Junior Parkrun was the obvious next step in this.
“Macclesfield Town Council has funded this project and event directors Holly Bamford and Holly Nettle, along with a team of fantastic volunteers, have made this happen.
Helena added: “One of the aims of the town council is to make activity the fun and easy option. Junior Parkrun really fits in with this.”
Eve Taylor, event support ambassador for Parkrun UK, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have helped bring Parkrun to Macclesfield.
“The success of the Saturday morning 5k in South Park is borne out of the large number of people coming together each week to run, jog, walk or volunteer.
“We had a great turnout for the inaugural event of the junior 2k version in Victoria Park and we look forward to seeing more 4 to 14 year olds joining us each Sunday morning.
“It’s a brilliant way to encourage children to be out in the fresh air having fun whilst being physically active.
“Huge thanks to Macclesfield Town Council for providing support and the relevant start-up funding for both events.”
Anyone wishing to take their children along to Junior Parkrun needs to register on the Parkrun website where they will receive a personalised barcode.
Runners then take the barcode along to each Parkrun so that they can obtain their finishing time.
As Junior Parkruns are volunteer-led, it is important that runners volunteer occasionally to enable the event to continue. This is also organised through the website.
Pictured are the event directors Holly Nettle and Holly Bamford, the scene at the start line and a young spider man who ran the whole 2k with his full outfit on!
