Over the past few weeks, Pikes Lane Primary School addressed the issue of Children staying indoors by hosting a weekly Park run.

Many parents are aware of the issues technology has brought including lack of physical activity throughout our daily lives and to tackle this issue the programme was set up to encourage children to explore the outdoors.

“I decided to host the programme to get our children off the couch, off their iPads and out into the fresh air. Our first Sunday attracted just 5 Pikes Lane children. We have had 36 though on one occasion and last week we got 11  children. ” - Carole Lowe Learning Mentor at Pikes Lane Primary School

What is the Park run?

Every Sunday around six members of staff gather at Queen’s Park and walk, jog or run the course around the park.

A remarkably large amount of people assume that in the Park run it is compulsory to sprint or jog however the Park run is accessible for everyone and walking on the course or using a wheelchair is also a great way to participate in the fun.

Ultimately, the message of the programme is to encourage physical fitness and improve mental well-being by doing so.

“The difference I wanted to see was a better attitude to the outdoors, to lose their fear of going out when its cold and rainy, improvement in behaviour and, of course, an improvement in overall fitness. Everyone can help by encouraging their siblings, friends, classmates and relatives to attend.” -Carole Lowe 

How can you help to sustain the Park Run community?

Many locals feel as though they can’t help to keep the programme running however participating in the provided activity is just as important to keep it going.

Most people who attend sports clubs or training sessions agree that doing the activity with another person motivates them and pressures them to never miss a session, which is why it is important that everyone takes part and encourages others to do so too.

Attending the Park run isn’t just about running but making friends who will encourage you and keep you running.

A rising issue in the Park run

“I wish our parents would participate in this run more as most children cannot attend without a parent for reasons such as too young to walk to the park by themselves “

Not only this but many children are disadvantaged from running with their friends as their parents or guardians feel ‘awkward’ in joining in the running however the real run is not as scary as it seems and ‘everyone is welcoming’.

To address this issue we encourage everyone to participate in the Park run so everyone can join because ‘together we can be the best’.