News

07/06/2024 00:00, In Blog /

Over the month of April 2024, 1800 families were across the UK were asked about their experiences at junior parkrun as part of the first wider Health and Wellbeing Survey.

Its findings seek to highlight the positive mental, physical and emotional and social benefits that participation in junior parkrun and wider physical activity can bring to children and young people.

Headline findings from the study included:

• 85% of parents and caregivers report that junior parkrun has had a positive impact on their child’s self esteem.
• Three out of four children expressed happiness and 65% felt proud at their local junior parkrun events.
• 96% of families plan to continue going to junior parkrun.
• Two in three parents reported improvements in their child's physical activity level and enjoyment of physical activities.
• More than half of parents and caregivers report their child has walked, jogged and run outside of junior parkrun as a result.

Cath Bingham, Young Person Physical Activity Activator at Welsh Athletics, said:

It is a pleasure to share the results of junior parkrun's first health and wellbeing survey! It is exciting and encouraging to see the positive impact junior parkrun is having on our young people. I am optimistic about the future of junior parkrun in Wales and look forward to working collaboratively to improve opportunities for the health and wellbeing of our children!

More about junior parkrun

junior parkrun provides free, socially-focused, 2k events in public areas of open space for children between four and 14, their friends, relatives, parents, carers and volunteers. 450 events take place every Sunday across the UK, Ireland and Australia. There is no time limit and everyone is welcome to get involved whether they are running, walking, jogging or volunteering!

Use the locator to find your nearest junior parkrun event HERE

Adults wishing to kick-off their weekend with a free timed 5km event in their local area can find their local parkrun event HERE