Junior Parkrun proving a hit at town's Albert Park

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Young athletes are giving the grown-ups a run for their money at a popular weekly event.

Parkrun’s a firm Saturday fixture at Middlesbrough’s Albert Park, and now its Junior counterpart is proving a hit with four- to 14-year-olds on Sunday mornings. After more than a dozen events, the new Parkrun is firmly established on Middlesbrough’s running calendar.

The 2k Junior Parkrun takes place every Sunday, starting at 9am at the fountain in the centre Albert Park, with turnouts of up to 47 competitors supported by 29 volunteers. The new event was the brainchild of Breckon Hill Primary school teacher Jonathan Towers and is run in partnership with Middlesbrough Council’s Parks and Public Health teams.

Jonathan, who acts as Race Director, said: “The Junior Parkrun designed to be a family friendly community event that welcomes people of all ages to walk, jog, run, volunteer and have fun.

“It has been amazing to see children and adults from the local and wider community embrace the spirit of Junior Parkrun since our initial event.

“We look forward to welcoming new and returning participants along with their families each week who always bring smiles and laughter.

“A special thank you also goes out to all our volunteers who not only make this event possible but also ensure the event has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”

The new Junior Parkrun is the latest addition to the range of activities on offer at Albert Park’s which already include roller skating, bowls, croquet, orienteering and fishing, with five new tennis courts and a tennis coaching programme in the pipeline.

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Running’s a fantastic form of exercise no matter what age you are, and Middlesbrough has developed an amazing portfolio of events for young and old alike.

“The Albert Park Parkrun is one of the best attended of its kind in the region, and I’m delighted that we now have an event for younger athletes at such a wonderful and historic venue.

“Congratulations to all those involved in making this event a reality, and I look forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.”

I actually volunteer some weeks at this junior parkrun - love the enthusiasm from the kids, many of them are in families. brothers and sisters running together or competing against each other but even the faster kids often go back after they have finished to encourage those running and jogging along behind them. Is great for the town. And I would encourage any family with you youngsters to come along, you can run, jog or walk - there are loads of marshals and a back tail walker so you will be perfectly safe and you will enjoy getting out in a beautiful park and being part of a Sunday morning event. In terms of wildlife there are the swans and cormorants on the lake but tree crawlers and even jays have been spotted in recent weeks flying around the course.




Junior Parkrun Start.jpg

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Junior Parkrun Albert Park.jpg
 
Hi Rob. Not sure how involved you are with park run and not sure if this is do-able as I believe Park Run is on a Saturday morning nationally but would it make sense to alternate the junior and normal Park runs at different venues. Instead of having all junior Park runs on a Sunday and all open Park runs on a Saturday.

Could Albert Park do 5km on a Saturday and junior on a Sunday and Locke park maybe reverse it and do junior on a Saturday and 5km on a Sunday.

My boys play football on a Sunday like 1000s of other kids around the country but they would love to do a junior Park run on a Saturday if there was a junior one available. I'm sure there's people who could run a Sunday but can't run a Saturday. It would also give the option for people to double up over the weekend for those really keen Park runners.

Anyway just an idea
 
I have been doing the Stewart’s Park park run for around 6 months and look forward to it every week and always good to see so many people taking part. I have actually just registered my little one this week and Sunday will be her first one, we will be doing the one at Hemlington lake but good to know Albert Park is another option to mix it up.
 
B_G said:
Hi Rob. Not sure how involved you are with park run and not sure if this is do-able as I believe Park Run is on a Saturday morning nationally but would it make sense to alternate the junior and normal Park runs at different venues. Instead of having all junior Park runs on a Sunday and all open Park runs on a Saturday.

Could Albert Park do 5km on a Saturday and junior on a Sunday and Locke park maybe reverse it and do junior on a Saturday and 5km on a Sunday.

My boys play football on a Sunday like 1000s of other kids around the country but they would love to do a junior Park run on a Saturday if there was a junior one available. I'm sure there's people who could run a Sunday but can't run a Saturday. It would also give the option for people to double up over the weekend for those really keen Park runners.

Anyway just an idea
Click to expand...
The days and times are worldwide. Scotland and some other countries start slightly later. I guess the great thing about Sunday junior parkruns are those kids not keeping fit playing football could maybe do a parkrun. Youngsters can run on Saturday too just have to be running with a parent/guardian.
 
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Just seen that it is a junior parkrun anniversary this week..

"This week marks a remarkable milestone as we reflect on junior parkrun’s journey that began in 2010. Starting with just nine young pioneers at Bushy Park, junior parkrun has now grown into over 450 events in three countries and made an impact on the health and happiness of numerous children, families and volunteers!"

And locally on Teesside - Albert Junior Parkrun has joined Junior parkruns around Hemlington Lake, Billingham (John Whitehead Park), Redcar (Locke Park) , Rossmere (Hartlepool) and also at Darlo South Park and Sedgefield.
All start 9am on a Sunday. Free, fun, and friendly weekly 2k event for juniors (4 to 14 year olds).
 
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