A GROUP of running enthusiasts in Chew Magna are looking for volunteers to help with a new junior park run especially for the Chew Valley.

Chew Valley Snails running club has identified a gap in the Chew Valley area with the nearest junior parkrun events no closer than South Bristol, Bath, Shepton Mallet, Cheddar, Nailsea or Yatton.

Co-event director Anne Garnish said: “If you haven’t heard of junior parkrun, it’s a global free weekly 2km event for participants aged 4 to 14. Junior parkrun takes place on Sunday mornings at 9am and children are encouraged to run or walk.

“They gain physical and mental health benefits, in addition to the wider community effects of positive action, volunteering and making connections at parkrun.

“The one millionth parkrun event was delivered recently with more than 9 million unique individuals have taken part since it started, so it's a far-reaching, mass participation event.”

The Chew Valley Snails running club was set up in 2017, and they feel now is the right time to build some foundations for their junior runners.

The event can't go ahead without a core team of volunteers each week, Anne added. “While we will be able to host Duke of Edinburgh students we also need adults who will be available on a regular basis.

“All training and equipment is provided: all we ask is their time each Sunday morning at 9am - the event is usually all packed up and finished by 10am. Volunteers don't need to be runners, or parents: everyone is welcome.”

The club has secured a local venue and are working on completing the funding needed to get the parkrun started with the support of the parkrun regional ambassador and event activator.

For more information contact Anne on: [email protected] or 07776 250851.