It's amazing to support a venture that encourages children to get fit and active. This Sunday, 122 of them took on the 2km circuit and won. Bath Junior Parkrun seems to get more popular every week. What's even more amazing is that one of the young runners was called... Dash! Congratulations on your personal best, Dash!

In a first for me, Meyrick and I took on the task of tail walkers, encouraging the participants from the rear and making sure no one was left behind. Actually it was tough to keep up! I was particularly proud of my dragon tail, while Meyrick sported a feisty fox number.

Tanya rocked the role of marshal with a brand new giant hand for hi-fiving the hardy sprinters. She says it stood up to the job and you've got to hand it to her.

GoodGym is all about getting fit while doing good. I feel this week fulfilled the brief - and everyone seemed to have a fun time too.

Once again it was a privilege to marshal for the junior parkrun at Odd Down in Bath. Handing out high fives to the young runners who pounded the cycle circuit full of enthusiasm, determination and pride.

The 2k route is quite a challenge to small legs but this lot aren’t quitters. Neither was GoodGym Bath’s Tanya who not only made her way up the hill to lend a hand but then headed into town for a yoga session. Exhausting.

83 children took part this week - many of them with parents in tow. I suspect there will be even more next month when the holidays are over.

We’re back at Odd Down Sports Ground in October - GoodGym has four spaces for marshals. Why not join us?

Once again it was a privilege to marshal at the weekly junior parkrun that takes place at Odd Down cycle circuit in Bath.

Dozens of children aged between 4 and 14 made their way round the 2k course often accompanied by their parents to make it a whole family affair.

They went round with determination etched on their faces and you knew the pride they would feel at the finish.

Our task was to cheer them on and it was great to see the young runners put on an extra spurt as we encouraged them. This time, instead of a giant foam hand giving out high fives, I was in charge of a cow bell. I hope the neighbours didn’t object at the noise.

It’s good to be part of something that is of such benefit to children’s welfare. The junior parkrun Health and Wellbeing survey in 2024 found that three in four children feel happier after taking part in a junior parkrun. It’s not just about happiness – 65% of children said they feel proud of themselves and 57% feel more confident.

GoodGymer Tanya should also be feeling proud after making her way up the hill to the task and running back down afterwards.

Dozens of children and their parents turned out bright and early this morning for their weekly run around the cycle track at Odd Down. Junior Parkrun is a wonderful way to start the day and get those stats in for those 4-14 year olds who are serious about running. It’s wonderful to see the concentration on those small faces determined to beat their personal best.

And that’s where we three GoodGymers came in. Tanya and I donned the hi viz to cheer on the young people as they took on the 2k, as well as making sure they stuck to the course. While Helen and mini volunteer Archie brought up the rear as tail walkers. Complete with tail!

I'm not sure why the cones had all gathered together - safety in numbers, I suppose.

It’s a great feeling to see the runners put on an extra spurt of speed to give you a high five and, overall, it was smiles all round in the sunshine. It’s got to be the best way to start the day and I’m looking forward to the next.

We're back at Odd Down on Sunday 1 June - you can sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/help-cheer-and-marshal-the-odd-down-junior-parkrun-07cb7fa6-26de-4b1e-b910-aeee06e5d511

It was great to be back at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit to help out at the Bath Junior Park Run after a bit of a break.

Tanya and I were issued with hi vis, whistles, lanyards and giant hands and assigned to the far end of the track to cheer on the young athletes as they took on the 2km route.

It gives me such a buzz to see the mini-Park Runners giving their all as they make their way round. A bit of encouragement and hi fives spurred them on and a crazy wig raised a smile too.

Wonderful to see GG Helen taking part with baby Archie - we wish her well with her new buggy running venture.

And thanks to Tanya for helping Park Run volunteer Karen with all the bar codes. All a bit of a mystery to me!

It was Easter Sunday, and another week at Odd Down Junior Park Run for three eager GoodGym bunnies. The Junior 'arm' of GoodGym provides juniors with a chance to regularly run a 2km run before they age up to the full 5k adult Park Runs around the world.

Great locations as well, with the Odd Down Sports Area providing a perfect running track for the disance required.

It was Easter though, so priorities that morning may have been elsewhere. Nonetheless a crown of about 3 kids attended, with your GoodGymmers Helen, Ruth and Meyrick acting as marshalls to both ensure safety and provide vocal support for our young athletes.

Yes there were bunny ears worn, provided by Ruth, with hopefully much in the way of chocolate rewards for the runners (and the marshalls) when they returned home.