Park run possible for youngsters

A new weekly running event to encourage youngsters to take up the activity is being proposed for Sconce and Devon Park.

Newark Junior Parkrun would give children aged four to 14 the opportunity to complete a 2km course on Sunday mornings.

It would be run as a separate event to the existing Newark parkrun, which is held over 5km at the park every Saturday.

The idea was put forward by Mr Duncan Barnett, a teacher at Barnby Road Academy, who believes it could benefit a lot of children.

“I have been going to parkrun regularly for quite a while, but I knew nothing about junior events until I found out my niece took part in one in Bristol.

“There are quite a lot of children who go along to the Saturday parkrun, but for a lot of young people 5km is quite a long way.

“For a lot of the children, especially those under the age of eight, a distance of 2km is a much more suitable distance to get them involved.

“Some of the older children would finish the run in seven or eight minutes, while for some of the younger runners it might be around 25 minutes, but it should be a great experience for all.”

'Everyone who I have spoken to believes it is a good idea'

Mr Barnett is part of a group of volunteers looking to raise the required £3,000 to start the new event. The money will go towards electronic and course equipment.

Donations have been made by Saint Gobain Formula, Newark Striders Running Club, and councillor Mr Keith Girling.

Mr Barnett said the initial response was encouraging.

“Everyone who I have spoken to believes it is a good idea and we got a good response online, which is positive,” he said.

“We have been in touch with other schools to spread the word and they have all been asking when we can start.”

If the fundraising is successful the weekly run could start in the spring, overseen by parents on a rota system.

Anyone who would like to be involved or donate to the new run should contact newarkjuniors@hotmail.com