There will soon be a new, free and exciting way for youngsters to get fitter and healthier in Mansfield.
Junior parkrun, the 2k weekly event for juniors aged 4-14, is coming to Berry Hill Park.
But before it can start, the organisers need your help to raise money for parkrun’s one-off set up fee.
The Mayor’s 500 Fund has already agreed to donate £500 towards a parkrun licence, training for volunteers, equipment and ongoing support from the organisation’s headquarters. This leaves a further £2,500 to raise, which must come from the local community or businesses, not from individuals or through crowdfunding.
The event organiser Daniel Bonser, who lives in Mansfield, wanted to start a junior parkrun closer to home after previously taking his nine-year-old daughter to the one in Hucknall.
He said: “This is a great opportunity for our young people and for the town. We hope that businesses will come forward to help make this happen.”
Mansfield District Council is supporting Daniel to set up the event, which is in line with the council’s priorities around improving the health and wellbeing of residents, encouraging more people to visit parks and hosting more events in open spaces.
The council’s Leisure and Parks teams have met Daniel and a parkrun representative to agree a route. Participants will complete two laps of a figure of eight, which means youngsters can be seen by at least two stewards at any time to help ensure their safety.
Although each event is timed, participants can run, jog or walk the route so everyone will be welcome no matter what their ability or experience. Once a start date is confirmed, the event will take place on Sundays at 9am.
Cllr Andy Burgin, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Leisure, said: “We’re very keen to encourage residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing by becoming more active and there’s no better age to start than when you are young. Having a free Junior Parkrun in one of our parks is a great way to do that.
“If there are any businesses that would like to support this event then please do get in touch.”
Contact Mansfield District Council on marketing@mansfield.gov.uk or 01623 463021 to be put in contact with Daniel.