Dozens of youngsters are pulling on their trainers for a weekly run around Wednesfield Park.

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The new Wednesfield Junior Parkrun, which launched recently, is held every Sunday morning, giving children and young people aged from 4 to 14 the chance to complete a 2km circuit around the park.

Those taking part are encouraged to run, jog or walk for their own enjoyment and at their own pace, and parents can also join in if they wish.

The Parkrun was launched last month thanks to support from the City of Wolverhampton Council's Public Health team and the volunteers and members of Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club who help marshal the route.

Already more than 30 children regularly take part, and organisers are keen for that number to increase still further. Event Director Liz Lister said: "We have had a great response to the new Wednesfield Junior Parkrun, and we'd be delighted to welcome more young people over the coming weeks. It's free to take part in and a great chance for families to get their Sunday off to a fantastic start.

"It's important to stress that the Parkrun is not a race, but a chance for the children to compete the 2km circuit at their own pace and see if they can improve on their personal best times."

Councillor Sandra Samuels, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Improving the health and wellbeing of our young people is a key priority for the council and we are delighted to support this fantastic event.

"I was privileged to go along and take part in it last week, and it was inspiring to see children as young as four having such a good time while exercising."

Wednesfield Junior Parkrun takes place every Sunday morning and is open to all children aged 4 to 14. Please meet by the play area at 8.45am. For more details, and to register to take part or volunteer to help out, please visit Type=links;Linkid=6523;Title=Wednesfield Junior Parkrun;Target=_blank; or Wednesfield Parkrun Type=links;Linkid=6524;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank; page.  

Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club offers a range of activities for children and young people. For more details, please visit Type=links;Linkid=6525;Title=Wolverhampton and Bilston Athletics Club;Target=_blank;.

Adults and the over 14s can take part in the Wolverhampton Parkrun, which takes place at West Park every Saturday at 9am.

  • released: Wednesday 30 September, 2015