{"id":36044,"date":"2026-07-31T22:00:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T21:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/?p=36044"},"modified":"2026-07-31T22:03:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T21:03:38","slug":"about-junior-parkrun-the-weekly-fun-2k-event","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pinkoddy.co.uk\/blog\/2026\/07\/31\/about-junior-parkrun-the-weekly-fun-2k-event\/","title":{"rendered":"About Junior parkrun – The Weekly Fun 2K Event"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Junior parkrun<\/a> is a free, fun, weekly 2k (1.2 miles) event where those ages 4-14 can walk, jog, run (or a mix) a measured course. It is up until the day before their 15th<\/sup> birthday. Exceptions are made for some older children with additional needs.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"About<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Where to Find Them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Currently held in the UK, Ireland and Australia. Most start at 9am on Sunday mornings (9:30 in Scotland). As of mid-2026 there are 470 junior parkrun events in the UK. You can find your nearest one on the official 5K app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like the 5K parkrun there is a tail walker so that no-one needs to worry about being last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Registering for Junior parkrun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like adult parkrun participants need to register beforehand. They will then get a parkrun number and barcode which is scanned, along with a finish token (which is returned) at the end. This is exactly the same barcode as the adult parkrun so you do not need to register twice.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"parkrun<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Adults at Junior parkrun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parents do not have to run with their children but are still ultimately responsible for them. Children under 11 must have an adult take them to and from the event, and remain in attendance for the duration of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an adult would like to run (walk\/jog\/jeff) with their child it is important that they do not cross the finish funnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs at Junior parkrun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only assistance dogs are allowed on the course at Junior parkrun. The no dogs rule also applies to volunteering. Adults may spectate with a dog but they are asked to have them on a lead, well back from the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"dog<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Junior parkrun Milestone Clubs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Children can receive free milestone bands for participating and now volunteering. Award bands are collected at the next event from the Run Director in the briefing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also download milestone certificates at home through the child\u2019s parkrun profile.  Additionally there are performance related merchandise to purchase from the parkrun shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Junior parkrun Milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Junior parkrun milestones have recently updated. Previously awarded bands for 11 events (half marathon), 21 events (marathon), and 50 (ultramarathon) may still occasionally be awarded whilst stocks last and Junior parkrun events make the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Junior<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n