Parkrun's motivators nominated for award

JUNIOR Park Run at Alexandra Park, Oldham first birthday event, superheroes at the start

DEDICATED volunteers who donate their Sunday mornings to help encourage future Mo Farahs and Paula Radcliffes have been rewarded with a Pride in Oldham award nomination.

The team behind the Alexandra junior parkrun ensure that youngsters aged four to 14 are able to enjoy a safe and fun 2k race around Alexandra Park every Sunday morning.

The event, which officially began in June last year, has quickly become a success, with dozens of young people turning up each week and almost 500 young people signed up to take part in at least one race.

Alexandra junior parkrun event director, Tony Muir said: "I originally stepped forward as event director because my kids wanted to run parkrun, but couldn't do the 5k on their own. "They run very little now, but I still love volunteering to help make sure that the children who turn up every week continue to do so and enjoy their run every week.

"To be nominated for an award like this really is amazing, although recognition is the last thing us volunteers are looking for, but it does give immense pride as it shows just how successful we are becoming as an event.

"Here's hoping we continue to flourish in the years to come."

Over the course of the past year the event has helped to increase the health and fitness opportunities for young people in Oldham.

Young people taking part are able to track the progress and improvements over each run with times and race positions logged online.

It has also held fun races, which saw runners dressed as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman take to the course to celebrate the event's first birthday.

Oldham's Olympic golden girl Team GB hockey player Nicola White has also made a guest appearance to inspire the runners.

Volunteer Wendy Tomlinson said: "I volunteer because I love seeing the big smiles of achievement that the children have from finishing the run each week. Quite rightly they are very proud of themselves.

"All of the runners are supportive of each other and really help the little ones.

"My girls have made some lovely friends and they really enjoy meeting up with each other each week. Our Sundays would not be the same without park run."

Run director Sarah Bundy added: "Too many children are too inactive and I like being a part of getting children up and out of the house.

"You never know which child you might engage and inspire to do bigger and brighter things. Who knows - we may have a future Mo or Linford on our hands somewhere."