GREEN LIGHT FOR ASHINGTON JUNIOR PARKRUN AS COUNCIL DELIVERS START-UP FUNDING
Ashington Town Council is delighted to confirm that it has approved funding of £4,300 towards the establishment of a junior parkrun in Ashington — a free, weekly, volunteer-led 2km run for children aged 4 to 14.
The decision, made unanimously by the Council's Finance & General Services Committee, means the full £4,800 start-up cost is now in place, with the Council having already committed £500 earlier in the year. Councillors were united in their enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a lasting investment in the health and happiness of the town's young people, following recommendation by the Council's Youth Advosiry Committee.
Junior parkrun removes every barrier to taking part: it is completely free, open to all abilities, and takes place every week. The one-off start-up funding covers everything needed to get the event off the ground — equipment, signage, insurance, volunteer training and even a defibrillator — with no ongoing cost thereafter. Once established, junior parkruns typically run for many years, powered entirely by local volunteers.
The new event will be a wonderful addition to Ashington's growing running community, complementing the hugely popular adult Ashington Community Woodland parkrun which takes place every Saturday morning in Ashington Community Woodland.
The junior parkrun effort is being led by local GP David Cummins, who said:
"In 2023 we started the Ashington parkrun for adults which is a 5 Km (3.2 mile) run that takes place in Ashington Community Woodland every Saturday. It has proven to be successful with an average weekly attendance of 60-80 runners. A junior parkrun would offer the children of Ashington and surrounding areas a great opportunity to engage in physical activity while also bringing about improved physical and mental health, self-esteem and confidence. Children can also develop their social skills and there are volunteer opportunities. The junior parkrun Health and Wellbeing Survey in 2024 found that 75% of children feel happier after taking part in an event!"
This is just the first step. With the funding now secured, the organising team will be working with parkrun UK to complete the sign-off process and confirm a launch date, with a summer start the ambition. The Council is right behind their efforts to get going as soon as possible and will continue to support the team every step of the way.
The junior parkrun will need a friendly team of volunteers to help it thrive — anyone interested in getting involved is warmly encouraged to look out for further announcements as the launch approaches. Junior parkruns happen on Sunday mornings.
Cllr Caroline Ball, Chair of the Council's Youth Advisory Committee said:
“This is a fantastic opportunity to build on the success of our existing parkrun and give something to the youngest members of our community. With support from our local running club and local doctors already behind the project, this funding will leave a real legacy for Ashington's children. A free, healthy, weekly activity that should still be running for many years to come. I'm delighted colleagues agreed with me unanimously.”
Junior parkrun events are free to join and require only a one-off registration before a child's first run. To find out more about parkrun and how to get involved, visit the parkrun website.
Further information and links are detailed below:
Ashington's existing parkrun
- Ashington Community Woodland parkrun (event home page): https://www.parkrun.org.uk/ashingtoncommunitywoodland/
- Their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ashingtoncommunitywoodlandparkrun/
- Volunteer email: ashingtoncommunitywoodland@parkrun.com
parkrun generally
- parkrun UK home page: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
- Registration (one-off, free, covers both adult and junior events): https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/
junior parkrun
- About junior parkrun: https://www.parkrun.com/about/join-us/junior-parkrun/
- Map/list of all UK junior parkrun events: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/juniorevents/
