Stratford-upon-Avon Rec junior parkrun

We are delighted to announce that, following the success of the 5km Stratford-upon-Avon parkrun, Stratford-upon-Avon Rec junior parkrun has now launched!

With the backing and ongoing support of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, we are now able to bring the joy of parkrun to the children of Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding villages.

On Sunday 23 June 2019, at 9:00am, we welcomed enthusiastic young runners and their parents to our first event.

This totally free Sunday 2k timed run (not race) is just right for 4-14 year olds. The course is three laps around the football pitches, with parkrunners and volunteers always in sight of each other. Parents and friends are welcome to run with their children, though children can choose to run alone. The Tail Walker will make sure that no one is left behind!

We hope that, as the event develops, families will embrace the parkrun ethos of fun exercise for all, regardless of whether they're running, jogging or walking.

The Core Team - all volunteers from Saturday's 5k parkrun on the Rec - look forward to growing the junior event and welcoming new volunteers to help at future runs. Although the event is free every week,  it relies on volunteers to keep it going and keep it safe.

Please check the website https://www.parkrun.org.uk/stratforduponavonrec-juniors/ for more details, or email the co-Event Directors, Simon Williams (07870 524211) and Sue Teale (07941 006406) on stratforduponavonrec-juniorsoffice@parkrun.com.

Sue Teale said: "It was lovely to see so many of the children from Stratford and surrounding villages running supported by their families and volunteers."

Simon Williams added: "We encourage everyone to come along and give it a go. We are keen to get children active at the same time as having fun, and hopefully inspire their parents to give running a go too!"

Cllr Christopher Kettle, Chairman of Stratford-on-Avon District Council, who attended the inaugural event on Sunday, said: "I was delighted to attend the opening junior parkrun and to see so many young athletes taking part in the two kilometre course. Some were really very professional and others, taking part in their first race, did really well.

"It is great that Stratford-upon-Avon is now playing host to a junior parkrun, as health and wellbeing is an important issue for all residents of the district. Becoming involved with a local parkrun as a participant or a volunteer is a great way for people to enjoy safe, free and enjoyable exercise in a friendly community-based atmosphere. Running, jogging and walking are some of the simplest contributions to an active and healthy life, and I hope young people make the most of this new weekly opportunity in such a beautiful location."

1. Stratford-upon-Avon Rec junior parkrun takes place at 9:00am every Sunday morning on Stratford Recreation Ground, by the Football Pavillion.
2. Parents should register their children in advance at https://www.parkrun.org.uk and bring their printed barcode to the event. They also need to register if they want to volunteer.
3. News and statistics for the event can be found on https://www.parkrun.org.uk/stratforduponavonrec-juniors/results/latestresults/
4. We like to style "junior parkrun" in lower case, with parkrun all one word!