Junior parkrun celebrates second birthday with PJ run

58 young runners, joggers, walkers and skippers donned their pyjamas and onesies to race around Queen’s Park on Sunday 2 June for the second anniversary of the weekly junior parkrun.

The Heywood participants celebrated the milestone with two cakes, welcoming four new runners to the course, which started on 4 June 2017.

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

The first finishers on the second anniversary run were Lucy Dent (08:48) and Owen Swettenham (09:44).

Run director Su Page said: “We had an amazing morning running in the park in our pjs and eating cake to celebrate our second birthday.

“We get up early every week and change out of our pjs into our running gear so we thought we would treat ourselves and keep our pjs on to celebrate our birthday.

“The children are remarkable: it’s so lovely to see them progress and gain confidence week on week. We’ve had an incredible two years – time really does fly when you’re having junior parkrun fun!

“Here’s to more amazingness over the next year. A massive thank you to everyone who volunteers makes our Sunday morning junior parkrun the amazing event that it is.”

 

 

Junior parkrun regularly attracts around 45 children each week, with the busiest week being 29 April 2018 with 86 participants.

Nathan Lamb and Sophie Johnstone currently hold the fastest times for junior 11-14s with 07:55 and 08:59 respectively, whilst current fastest times held for junior 10 boys and girls are Matthew Fleming (07:45) and Lucy Dent (08:48).

Approximately 18 volunteers help each week, ensuring the run can take place.

Junior Parkrun is for children aged between four and 14 and is held at 9am every Sunday in 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.

Since its inception, a staggering 8,456km have been covered by the children taking part.