On Sunday, the first Riverside Gardens Junior Parkrun was held in the Riverside Gardens with help from Ilkley Round Table.
Over 40 junior runners took part in this inaugural community event to complete a 2km route around the park, over 30 of which ran for the first time.
Parkrun is a free, fun, community activity open to all ages and abilities. A standard parkrun is a timed run covering a distance of 5km.
The new junior parkrun covers 2km, is easier for younger runners who might find the longer distance too demanding, and designed so they can experience the joy of running by themselves with no adults. Children can also be accompanied by parents or guardians if preferred, but can only cross the finish line by themselves. Junior parkruns are open to 4 to 14 year olds, free and easy to join and take place in a safe and secure environment overseen by volunteers.
Riverside Gardens Junior Parkrun event director Jemma Walker said, “The Riverside Gardens Junior Parkrun has been a huge success and, thanks to support from The Ilkley and District Round Table, we are delighted to be able to bring a parkrun to the town that provides a weekly opportunity for junior runners to take part in an event, challenge themselves and develop a love of running.”
Ilkley and District Round Table Chairman Trevor Yong said that “It’s fantastic to see a new community event promoting sport and athletics. The Ilkley Round Table is immensely proud to have helped make this regular event a possibility, and we hope to see some of the junior runners join us at the Ilkley Half Marathon as soon as they’re old enough!”.
If you or a junior runner you know would like to take part, more details on the event and how to register for free can be found at https://www.parkrun.org.uk/riversidegardens-juniors/.
The event organisers are also looking for more volunteers to help at the weekly event and anyone interested should email riversidegardens-juniors@parkrun.com or see the Riverside Gardens Junior Parkrun Facebook page.
The Ilkley Round Table is currently accepting applications for support - please get in touch by emailing communityservice@ilkleyroundtable.org.uk.
Greens win Bradford Council seats in Ilkley and Craven
Five Ilkley artists prepare to open their studios
Labour wins North Yorkshire Mayoral election by nearly 15,000 votes
Experience 'Zip The Cow' for Manorlands Hospice!
Kex Gill on course to open by end of June, say council
No Northern train services next Thursday due to strike
Developer's bid to change planning condition on Silsden housing estate raises concerns
Local young dancers chosen for production of Swan Lake
South Craven plans to join East Lancashire schools in new Trust
Council increases library fines for first time in a decade
A-list celebrities support Brownies Bookmark Project
Heat Pump & Solar Panel Open Day in Ilkley on Saturday
Armed Forces Brew Up to take place at Airedale Hospital
Friends of Ilkley Moor announces AGM
Lidl seeks new stores in Ilkley, Skipton and Keighley
Ilkley Civic Society raises concerns over proposals for Changing Places Toilet
Countdown to “spectacular” Mardi-Gras themed Ilkley Carnival begins!
Craven Museum shortlisted for major national award
Tributes paid to 14 year old killed at weekend in Keighley crash
14 year old boy dies in Keighley road crash
