CHILDREN and teenagers in Winchester can keep fit by taking part in a junior park run which has launched.

Earlier this month the first junior park run took place and was hailed as a success with 116 children tackling the 2k route, which was started by Mayor of Winchester councillor Jane Rutter.

Now it will take place every Sunday at 9am at the Garrison Ground in Milland Road for children aged four to 14.

The junior park run is organised and part-funded by Winchester City Council, the University of Winchester and Sport Hampshire & IOW, and relies on volunteers from Winchester and District Athletics Club (WADAC). It is also supported by the Sport & Physical Activity Alliance Chair of the SPAA Peter Leamore said: “The fact that children as young as 4 years old have the opportunity to take part in a weekly activity is fantastic.

“A big thank you must go to the volunteers who put in all the hard work to make each week a success.”

The event's director Paul Cox added: “It was fantastic to experience the start of the Winchester junior park run.

“I hope that the event encourages more children to take part in running and enjoy the experience.”