Fifth anniversary of the Junior Park Run in Sconce and Devon Park in Newark brings a good crowd

A good crowd turned up to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Junior Park Run at Sconce and Devon Park in Newark.

The event was assisted by some young people who were participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

"Newark junior park run is a free weekly event which takes place every week at Sconce and Devon Park, Newark," said event director Duncan Barnett.

"It has been a huge success from the beginning, supported by members of the community.

"We are very proud of the powerful impact it has had on encouraging Newark children to be healthy and active.

"Since we started in 2018, nearly 1800 children have participated, with an average of 70 per week.

"We think it has made a big difference.

"It assists in getting people involved in the community, they develop friendships.

"There are a lot of positives about this event."

A commemorative cake was produced for the occasion featuring the park and people gathered around before the run to socialise.

"The event is for children aged between four and 14," said Barnett.

"They do two laps of a beautiful course which takes in the River Devon, the historic Sconce, and lots of natural beauty.

"The Junior Park Run is for everyone- it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are, it’s all about taking part.

"The most we have had here is 340 at the event, which was a great day.

"The idea is to get children into good habits of exercise early so that they go on to lead healthy, active, and happy lives.

The event sign-in can be accessed at:

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/newark-juniors/

The Newark Athletic Club who provide volunteers on occasion for the Park Run events were again out and about running.

Eliott Smith-Rasmussen came second in the 800m in just over two minutes in the Lincolnshire County Championships.

In the Nottinghamshire County Championships, Dan Wheat got silver in the 3000m running 9-37 while Jack Robinson got bronze in the 1500m with a time of 4-29.