YOUNGTSERS have been getting fitter by pounding the pavements after a running duo set up a new club in Maldon.

Maldon Prom junior parkrun launched in January this year and is going from strength to strength.

The event was started by Kate Priest and Leah Jewiss who were inspired by the parkrun for adults held every Saturday in Promenade Park.

The junior event is for four to 14 year olds in the park each Sunday morning from 9am.

Kate, who has been taking part in Maldon parkrun since it started two years ago, said: “We spent nearly a year gathering funding, undergoing training and setting the event up.

“We have been getting about 65 to 70 runners and last week we had 91 which is our record.”

Kate and Leah received grants from Maldon Health and Wellbeing, Active Essex and the Leisure and Sports Development Team at Maldon District Council to get the event up and running.

Kate said: “We absolutely love seeing the excited and happy children's faces on a Sunday morning, there is a real buzz in the air and a wonderful atmosphere.

“The children run because they enjoy it, because they have fun, because they like meeting up with their friends- some who are new that they have met at parkrun.

“I love it so much and the whole ethos of parkrun and what it stands for, that I wanted to give the opportunity to the children of our community.”

The success of the junior parkrun comes as Stoke Gifford Parish Council in Gloucestershire announced plans to charge people to take part in parkrun.

Kate said: “I think it is absolutely outrageous that they have even thought about charging people for running in a park together.

“In this area they are not going to be charging.

“It is so good for the community and with all the government things about obesity and keeping fit it is a benefit for the whole community.”

Children wanting to take part need to register first at parkrun.org.uk/maldonprom-juniors.

Anybody willing to volunteer should email maldonprom-juniorshelpers@parkrun.com