A PLAN has been launched to bring a junior version of parkrun to Melksham.
Junior parkrun will be a free event aimed at children aged 4 to 14, allowing them to run unaccompanied around a 2km course in King George V playing field on Sunday mornings, supervised by a team of volunteers.
Leading the campaign is Craig Murray, who is the Beaver leader at Shaw and Whitley Scouts. Craig said, “We are hoping to get funding to launch junior parkrun in the near future. There are six primary schools in Melksham – it would be a great way to encourage more young people to exercise.
“The idea to launch a junior parkrun came when my seven-year old daughter tried to take part in parkrun in Swindon with her gran. Children under 14 have to run with an adult – so I wondered why there wasn’t an event for children.
“To help launch the event I will be needing volunteers as marshals and I am also approaching local authorities for funding.”
Colin Goodhind, event director of the existing Melksham parkrun – the organised, free weekly 5k run held every Saturday at 9am in King George V playing field – has been offering his support to Craig. “It’s a great idea,” said Colin. “We’ve been asked by quite a few people if a junior parkrun would be starting, so there is a demand for this. Junior parkrun needs to be run independently from the existing parkrun, so Craig’s suggestion is just what we’ve been hoping for.
“We are offering whatever support we can offer to Craig and his team – we’ve already paved the way for him, so hopefully this will make it easier for Craig and his volunteers to get it up and running. Some of our volunteers are very keen to also get involved with the junior parkrun event.”
To enquire about volunteering for junior parkrun, contact Craig by email: cjbmurray@live.co.uk
