From kids-only waves at mass participation runs to junior parkruns and club-hosted events, there are plenty of opportunities to ease young runners into the sport.
Discover how to find the right event for your family and make running a shared adventure.
Check out event listings
Often the easiest way to find children’s runs near you is the same way you would find any running event locally: by visiting a directory. There are a number to choose from, but findarace.com and Runner’s World’s Event Listings are two of the most popular.
Ask your local running club
To get an idea of the best kids’ events in your area you might be better off asking round at your local running club. They’re bound to have several recommendations, and you might find your club hosts an event of its own. Far from being the reserve of serious athletes, running clubs are open to all abilities and many also have weekly sessions for children, so they can be a great way to get the whole family excited about running. Tracy says, “Sundays I tend to do a long run, and sometimes a junior park run with the kids is part of that.”
Try a junior parkrun
Most parkruns now have a junior alternative, allowing children aged between four and 14 to enjoy the free weekly events that take place up and down the country. At 2K in length, they’re short enough for all abilities to run, jog or walk to the finish, and you’re guaranteed to find a friendly, inclusive atmosphere to help ease youngsters into group running. Sarah takes both her children to the local parkrun, “We’d never go out for an impromptu run but it’s nice to have one organised at the same time every week. It’s not necessarily competitive, but some kids do try to run really fast!” To find out your local junior parkrun, head to their site.
