Charity aims to get children moving with parkrun
A new initiative aimed at tackling inactivity among children by linking schools with junior parkrun events has been launched.
The parkrun primary programme will see 500 schools across the UK twinned with junior parkrun events through a five step plan including assemblies, engagement with local events and formal registration.
The scheme was launched at Cricket Green Primary School in Mitcham, South London, with Team GB Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin and parkrun interim CEO Elizabeth Duggan taking part in a special assembly and junior parkrun.
Cricket Green was part of the pilot project earlier this year and is now linked to its local junior parkrun at Figges Marsh. Pupils, teachers and parents regularly run, walk and volunteer on Sundays.
Elizabeth Duggan, parkrun Interim CEO, said: “By bringing schools together with their local junior parkrun events, parkrun primary will create more opportunities for children to be active, outdoors at the weekend in a free, fun and accessible way.
“But it’s also about connecting children with their local community and giving them the chance to build real human relationships at junior parkrun through running, walking and volunteering that develop their confidence alongside vital social and emotional skills for later life in a world where that is increasingly difficult. We think parkrun primary can make a real difference in creating healthier and happier lives for our children and young people and we’d encourage schools to sign-up and get on board.”
Fitness coach and parkrunner Joe Wicks commented: “There’s nothing more important to me than helping kids build healthy habits and get moving, whether it’s at home in the living room, at school or at a sport club. parkrun primary is a brilliant new initiative – connecting schools with local junior parkruns so more children have the chance to be active, have fun, and enjoy the mental and physical benefits of regular exercise.”
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “We know that being physically active in and out of school has many benefits for children. Unfortunately, we know that less than half of our children are meeting the recommended daily amount. Connecting schools and school children is a great way to encourage many to be more active. parkrun primary really has the potential to help children build healthy habits for life, improve their self-confidence, and learn valuable life skills.”
parkrun primary builds on the existing junior parkrun programme which takes place every Sunday in 478 locations across the UK, 107 of which are in areas of high deprivation.
A recent parkrun survey of 1,400 families found that 77% of children felt happy after taking part in junior parkrun, while 85% of parents said it had a positive impact on their children’s sense of personal achievement.
The project is supported by the London Marathon Foundation through a £1.19m partnership. In the last year, 51 new junior parkrun events were launched, with children completing more than one million runs.
Nick Bitel, CEO of London Marathon Group, said: “Our partnership with junior parkrun has already enabled children across the UK to complete more than one million junior parkruns. With the launch of parkrun primary, we’re thrilled to be opening up a new pathway for primary schools to connect with their local junior parkrun events. This initiative will help even more young people take part – supporting their physical, mental and social wellbeing, and laying the foundations for an active and healthy future.”
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