10 September 2015
A popular international running project called Parkrun is starting in Jersey this month to encourage more people to get fit and active. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world.
The runs are open to everyone and people of every ability can to take part – from beginners taking their first steps in running to Olympians; from juniors to those with more experience.
Parkrun Jersey will take place at 9am every Saturday from 26 September starting at Les Quennevais Sports Centre. Participants can run, jog or even walk the course and they will get an official time each week so that they can track their progress.
Sports Club Officer, Nikki Holmes, said "It’s a great way to get fit, get fitter or just get out and enjoy the fresh air. Parkruns are fun, friendly and safe and a good way to meet new people too, as participants can enjoy a post-run coffee at Café des Sports at Les Quennevais each week."
Community sports events
Jersey Parkrun Event Director, Paul Burrows, said "Thanks to the support from Sport Development, we are delighted to be able to bring Parkrun to Jersey. The event is free and open to all, the only thing you need to do is register in advance at www.parkrun.org.uk. Once registered, you can participate in any parkrun events around the world at any time by just turning up on the day. Register once only on the website and don’t forget the golden rule of Parkrun – No barcode, no time. Runners need to print out the barcode allocated to them when they register and bring the paper copy each time."
Assistant Minister for Sport, Connétable Steve Pallett, said "I would encourage anyone considering taking up running or wishing to improve their fitness to give Jersey Parkrun a try. It has the potential to be a great community sports event, which has just the right combination of structure and informality to get people out and exercising. It meets our Fit for the Future Sports Strategy ambitions to increase sports tourism and events and help more islanders take up physical activity. The volunteer organisers have incredible enthusiasm and have put in a considerable amount of time and effort to bring Parkrun to Jersey."
Nikki Holmes added "I have friends in the UK who are dedicated parkrun enthusiasts and they are really looking forward to coming over to do the Jersey Parkrun. I know that there are parkrun tourists who travel all over the world ticking off parkruns so it’ll be great to welcome runners to Jersey who can run the route and take the opportunity to explore the Island further."
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