Mother’s Day Junior Parkrun at Queen’s Park Heywood

Scroll down for Video

Over 40 junior runners took to the tarmac for the weekly Junior Parkrun on Mother’s Day at Heywood’s Queen’s Park.

The local Junior Parkrun is in its 34^th event, having started on 4 June 2017.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/110578/inaugural-junior-parkrun

The first finishers on Sunday (11 March) were Ethan Holt with a 09:20 time, and Jessica Winters, who completed the course in 11:11.

It regularly attracts around 43 children each week, with the busiest week being run 19 on 15 October 2017 with 68 participants. The current fastest times held by the first boy and girl finishers are Matthew Fleming (07:45) and Nicole Jones (09:22). Approximately 17 volunteers each week help ensure the run can take place.

Race Director Su Page said: “Junior Parkrun has been going really well; since we started we’ve had great feedback. It’s got a good atmosphere and a core team of really enthusiastic volunteers.

“It was a lovely start to Mother’s Day. We had quite a few mums with their children on the day. One older boy started out running with his mum and then left her because she was running too slow for him. It’s really giving the children confidence to run on their own too.”

Junior Parkrun is for children aged between four and 14 and is held every Sunday at 9.am at Queen’s Park, Heywood. It is free to enter, but please register before your first one.

The 2km course starts near to the Open Air Theatre, heading away from the fountain and turning right at the junction. The path around the park is followed past the play areas and tennis court before being repeated.

Participants then continue past the Open Air Theatre to turn right down the park’s main path and finish in front of the fountain. Post-run refreshments are available from the café.

The event is reliant upon volunteers, so if you want to help out either as a marshal or on the finish line, contact: queensparkrochdalejuniorshelpers@parkrun.com