On Sunday 18th August, we celebrated the official launch of the Walton Park Junior Park Run! Since our first pilot event on Sunday 21st July, a wonderful team of thirty local volunteers has helped one hundred and forty-four children complete a two-kilometre timed loop across five events.
This exciting journey began back in the winter of 2023, when WSP Programme Manager Peter Jones and Padraig Healy had an informal chat. From there, they worked together to find a safe location for the event and build a solid volunteer base to make sure it would thrive. With support from Park Run Ireland, Waterford City and County Council, and the local community, several volunteer meetings were held to ensure that this event would be safe, sustainable, and most importantly, enjoyable!
We’re proud to say this is the only Junior Park Run in Waterford and one of just forty-one across the entire country. The event offers a two-kilometre timed walk, jog, or run for children aged four to fourteen. It takes place every Sunday at 9:30 AM in the beautiful Walton Park. Like all community events, volunteers are the heart and soul, and we need thirteen volunteers to make each event a success.
Leading the way is our dedicated Race Director, Peter Cunningham, who ensures everything runs smoothly and safely. Peter has done a fantastic job and says, “We’re thrilled to welcome runners of all abilities, aged four to fourteen, to our inclusive event every Sunday morning. It’s a privilege to see so many smiling faces as the children complete their loops around the stunning Walton Park. A big thank you to Waterford Council, Causeway Tennis and Bowls Club, Waterford Sports Partnership, Parkrun Ireland, and our sponsors VHI for supporting such a positive event. And of course, a massive thank you to our volunteers who come out every week to ensure the safety of the runners and create a brilliant atmosphere. Parkrun Abú!”
If you have a child aged four to fourteen who would love to join in, or if you’d like to volunteer, we would love to see you on Sunday mornings at 9:30 AM!
For more information please visit: www.parkrun.ie/waltonpark-juniors/
Finally, a huge thank you to Causeway Tennis and Bowls Club for letting us store our equipment in their facilities – your support is truly appreciated!
Article Modified: October 08, 2024 10:30 am
