Young people in Sefton can now take part in a new junior parkrun session

Young fitness and fresh air lovers in Sefton now have even more opportunity to enjoy the Borough’s green spaces with the launch of another parkrun.

Part funded by Sefton Council, the Borough now boasts two free junior parkrun sessions which take place every Sunday morning in Hesketh Park, Southport and Derby Park, Bootle respectively.

Junior parkruns are free, timed, 2km events where children aged 4-14 years old can walk, jog or run outdoors.

Sefton’s events are just two of more than 450 junior events across the UK and both are boosted by Sefton Council grants, which helped to facilitate their set-up and launch.

More than 400 children have already taken part in Derby Park’s junior parkrun, with participants helping to cover an astonishing 5,800km so far.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:

“We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that parkrun is having on our young people in Sefton.

“It’s a fantastic way to encourage healthy lifestyles, build confidence, and foster a sense of community.

“By making exercise fun and accessible, parkrun is a must for people of all ages!”

Southport GP Dr Simon Tobin, the Co-Event director of Hesketh Park parkrun, said: “I wasn’t sure how much interest there would be when we decided to set up a junior parkrun in Hesketh Park but by our third session we were welcoming 110 local children.

“It’s an absolute joy to see parents chatting and making connections whilst their kids are having a great time doing some exercise in the park.

“We’ve had loads of feedback from parents about how much their children have loved coming along. Many parents can’t believe that parkruns are completely free, all you need to do is register online.”

Rachel Wilson, Co-Event Director at Derby park junior parkrun added: “Derby Park junior parkrun has made a positive impact on the local area. It helps bring the community together on a Sunday morning.

“We have seen children grow in confidence and the self-belief that they gain makes everyone involved very proud.

Find out more information about the junior parkrun sessions or to sign up here.