Ready, set, go! Parkrun comes to primary schools

Do you enjoy playing sport or having fun outside at school?

Health and exercise charity parkrun has announced plans to work with primary schools to encourage pupils to stay active.

The NHS, which looks after health in the UK, says children aged between 5-18 should be trying to do 60 minutes of exercise - like running - each day.

Parkrun say that their new 'parkrun primary' plan will make it easier for kids to get involved with their local running community.

What is a parkrun?

People sometimes bring their pets along for parkrun too!

Parkruns are popular with lots of adults and young people - they get together once a week to run a 2km or 5km distance in a local park.

The parkrun charity say there are also around 500 free junior parkrun events for children across the UK, where kids can take part in 2km runs with friends and family.

As part of the plans, schools can sign up to be matched with their local junior parkrun, doing taster sessions and assemblies as part of the school day.

So far, 17,000 school children have taken part in a trial version of it - and it has the backing of some famous athletes too.

Shona McCallin is one of the athletes backing the new plan

Olympic gold medallist Shona McCallin was at the launch event at a primary school.

The former Team GB hockey star said: "Connecting primary schools with their local junior parkruns will see so many more children benefit.

"It's brilliant to see Team GB get behind parkrun primary."

Do you like running? What's your favourite activity or sport?

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