Since parkrun started in 2004 we have welcomed children to participate, as walkers, joggers, runners or volunteers at all of our events. Across all parkrun and junior parkrun events, children are permitted to register and participate from the age of four.
At our 5k events we require children under the age of 11 to be accompanied at all times, this is to ensure their safety and prevent the volunteer team from needing to directly supervise young children.
At junior parkrun events they can only walk, jog, or run until the day before their 15th birthday.
Exceptions to this rule are subject to the discretion of parkrun head office. Examples include those over 14 with special educational needs (SEN) or those with a registered disability, for whom social interaction and physical activity may be difficult but important.
Our definition of a child, across all parkrun territories, is anyone who has not reached their 18th birthday.
Every week we welcome tens of thousands of children to our events. This creates safeguarding challenges across a diverse range of environments and as such it is critical that we present a clear and concise position.
We want children to have a positive experience at parkrun; participating because they want to, in a way they want to; and in a safe environment at all times.
- At our 5k events, children under the age of 11 must be within arm's reach of a parent, guardian or designated adult of the parents' choice at all times.
- At junior parkrun events, children can participate on their own from the age of four until the day before their 15th birthday.
- At junior parkrun events, children under the age of 11 must be accompanied to the start and from the finish of the event.
- As with adults, children must always participate on foot.
The only exception to this is that we do welcome wheelchair users where the course permits.
In appropriate circumstances children may, if needed, be carried for short periods at a sensible walking pace, and not while running.