Pontypool’s Junior Parkrun celebrated its 400th on Sunday 4 May 2025 with 62 youngsters crossing the finish line.
It’s for four to 14-year-olds and takes in a 2km route in Pontypool Park every Sunday from 9am (ish).
A few months ago, Deb Clarke, event director, told me about the special anniversary and suggested I go along and volunteer.
Volunteering at Pontypool Junior Parkrun
So at around 9am, I stood outside Pontypool Active Living Centre in a high-viz volunteer vest watching Deb give the pre-run talk to the youngsters, followed by a fun warm-up.
My spot was by a tree just behind the rugby club stand. I had to make sure the runners went the right way past me before looping around and coming down the other side of my spot. This lap was done twice with a nice crowd of parents in the middle clapping them through each time.
“Children make friends’
After the event Deb I asked Deb why Pontypool Junior Parkrun is so important and what it does for children.
She said: “I think it’s great. There are kids here who have made friends that didn’t know each other beforehand and now they’re the best of friends.
“It’s getting them out of the house and doing some exercise instead of sitting on their Xbox talking to their virtual friends. We love seeing the parents taking part as well. It brings kids from loads and loads of different schools together.
She was thrilled at getting over 60 children, one of highest numbers since she started as event director, on the start line. I asked her about her pre-run chat with the youngsters and what she tells them.
Deb said: “What I usually say is ‘if you’re running to get your personal best, that’s great but if you’re not, you can walk or jog. If you want to look at the trees, that’s fine. We had one little girl who ended up here with an armful of twigs because she picked up twigs along the way.
“It’s all about the kids having fun because they’re not going to come back otherwise, and we don’t want to put children off thinking ‘oh I can’t run very fast, I’m not doing it’. They do it at their own pace.
“We just want them to enjoy themselves.”
Deb told me that one of the youngest volunteers was called Joey, aged 12 or 13. The week before (event 399), he completed his 100th parkrun and wanted to help by volunteering at the 400th event. She said his confidence has grown since he started running and has even represented South-East Wales District at the sport.
How to join Pontypool Junior Parkrun
If your child wants to take part, you can find out more on the run’s website page and how to register. You can also find out how to volunteer. The run can only take place if volunteers help out https://www.parkrun.org.uk/pontypool-juniors/