11 March 2025
New parkrun under starter's orders as JCB funds set up costs
YOUNG runners from across North Staffordshire will be under starter’s orders this weekend for new junior parkrun - thanks to support from digger giant JCB.
The Rocester-based company has donated £4,800 to fund start-up costs for the new event at Lyme Valley Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme which launches on Sunday March 16th at 9am. The free two-kilometre fun run is the youth-only version of the popular adult five-kilometre parkrun. Children aged four to 14 who want to improve their fitness and make new friends can run, jog, or walk the picturesque course close to the town centre.
At the test event yesterday ahead of the official launch, a total of 65 youngsters turned up to run the Lyme Valley course.
Gareth Copley-Jones, who will co-direct the new event with Rose Marshall, said: “This could not have happened without the hard work of our team of volunteers, the support of the local council and, most of all, the generous donation from JCB."
Without JCB’s help the parkrun would have never got off the ground. It’s wonderful to have a huge international company in our area with same local values around kids’ health as ourselves.
Gareth Copley-Jones | Co-director of the new event with Rose Marshall
“We all want the best for our kids, but sometimes it’s difficult finding activities that are accessible, help them find new friends and most importantly don’t cost the earth. Junior parkrun is a fantastic movement dedicated to getting kids exercising, volunteering, and socialising on a Sunday morning.”
Lyme Valley parkrun takes place at Lyme Valley Parkway, Lyme Valley Road, ST5 3TF and any young people interested in joining need to register to take part. Find out more at www.parkrun.com/about/join-us/junior-parkrun/.
Gareth added: “I was involved in the setting up of Newcastle-under-Lyme’s first parkrun at the Wammy in Knutton seven years ago and I have seen the huge benefits it has brought, making so many members of our local community happier and healthier. It has literally changed people’s lives in the area, reversed health conditions and created new circles of friends for people who were living isolated lives.”