Young runners celebrate junior parkrun milestone

Three young runners have reached a significant milestone at Melksham’s junior parkrun, earning silver wristbands for completing 100 events.

Anna, aged 6, and Esme and Maggie, both aged 7, were recently awarded their silver wristbands in recognition of their dedication to the weekly 2km runs at King George V playing fields.

The Melksham junior parkrun takes place every Sunday morning at 9am and is open to children aged between four and 14. The free event involves running four laps of the park.

Participants are awarded coloured wristbands to celebrate their achievements: blue for 11 runs (half marathon), green for 21 runs (marathon), orange for 50 (ultra marathon), and silver for the 100-run milestone.

Volunteer Sue Mortimer, who helps run the event each week, said, “Junior parkrun is one of my favourite times of the week. I’m part of the volunteer team that enables this amazing event to take place. It’s great seeing the children out and about in the fresh air, having fun running and chatting with their friends – and seeing their big smiles as they cross the finish line.”

Families interested in taking part can register online at the junior parkrun website to receive a barcode. Once registered, children can join in any Sunday by arriving around 8.45am for a first-timer briefing and a group warm-up at 8.50am, before the run begins at 9am.

Sue added, “Alternatively, just come along to the park on a Sunday at 9am to see what goes on.”