Acton junior parkrun – powered by people

Acton’s junior parkrun takes place every Sunday. It now has on average 60 four to 14 year-olds taking on the 2km course in Acton Park.

The parkrun organisers have used Do Something Good, to get volunteers to help run the event.

Clare Walker runs the event and she said: “I am passionate about kids being healthy. Because its voluntary and grassroots, it keeps the event free and open to everyone. The big challenge is getting enough volunteers every week. We need people to marshal the event, lead the warm up, help to set up and pack up. We’re usually all done in around 20 minutes so it it’s a small time commitment, but it makes a big difference.”

Monika Barry is a local resident and volunteer. Her daughter takes part in the run. She said: “The run is great for the local kids. It’s not a huge time commitment and because we often go to the café after the run, it’s great for meeting people in the area.”

The children, some running with their parents, start the short course around the park at 9am. All the runs are timed and many children come along hoping to beat their own personal bests, but the aim is to have fun whatever the pace.

Matilda Bower, 14, is working towards her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and is also a volunteer. She said: “Volunteering is fun and it’s exciting to see the children doing their best and trying so hard. I remember what it feels like to start running and I like doing things like this with my time. More young people should put down their smartphones and come and do stuff like this.”

“The run is great for the local kids. It’s not a huge time commitment and because we often go to the café after the run, it’s great for meeting people in the area.” - Monika Barry, volunteer 

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Acton Junior Parkrun

Acton junior parkrun is a FREE 2km run for all children aged 4-14, held every Sunday in Acton Park at 9am, whatever the weather (unless extreme!).

Northala Fields parkrun

Parkrun are a national organisation which can help to arrange free weekly 5km timed running events. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities to help manage the run.