It’s hard to believe that Ruddington’s free, weekly park run for children aged 4 to 14 and their families is now a decade old!
When Rushcliffe Junior Parkrun was launched in Rushcliffe Country Park, at 9am on Sunday 2nd February 2014, it was only the eighth junior event to be set up in the world – and yet it managed to attract 118 participants and 20 volunteers for the very first one. This 2k ‘fun run’ was set up to encourage kids, families and friends to enjoy exercising in open spaces, with anyone at any level being able to take part on a route marshalled by volunteers. Since then, it’s become very popular in Ruddington – welcoming a grand total of 4,690 young participants who’ve attended with their families to have fun, get outdoors and stay active – on a circular course marshalled by a grand total of 838 volunteers.
On the tenth birthday run itself, last Sunday 4th February 2024, 102 young runners took part – and were rewarded with a an especially made cake (pictured right) in the Visitor Centre afterwards.
The weekly event is among those in our country park facilitated by its custodians and operators Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC).
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Wellbeing, ICT and Member Development, Cllr Jonathan Wheeler, says: “The Rushcliffe Junior Parkrun is a popular event that has gone from strength to strength over the years and we’re delighted they’ve reached a fantastic milestone of 10 years. There is always a lovely atmosphere at the weekly events held at our wonderful park. It really helps to encourage children to stay active outdoors and improves attitudes towards physical activity.”
He continues: “Thank you to all the incredible organisers and volunteers, who range from 4 to 80 years old and take time to ensure this free event continues for all children to enjoy. They should be exceptionally proud of what they have and continue to achieve, making activity accessible to so many youngsters.”
A Rushcliffe Junior Parkrun spokesperson adds: “Our heartfelt thanks to all of the regular and occasional volunteers who have helped make the magic happen over the last ten years and to the walkers, runners and spectators who turn up to give us all something to do on a Sunday morning. We consider it an absolute pleasure and privilege to spend time with you all.”
Anyone aged 4 to 14 years old can walk, jog and run the event at Rushcliffe Country Park (Mere Way, Ruddington NG11 6JS) and they welcome volunteers of all ages.
It’s free to attend but participants are asked to register before attending their first one at www.parkrun.org.uk/rushcliffe-juniors. You should take along a scannable copy of your barcode if you wish to receive a timed result.
Anyone is also welcome to join the team, which meets for a post-Parkrun coffee in the park with families and volunteers and enjoy the local facilities.
{Photos courtesy of RBC and Rushcliffe Junior Parkrun}
