The 'country's biggest kids' running event' - which takes place on the day before the Great North Run - is now open to entries and organisers are expecting it to be a fast sell-out.
The Junior and Mini Great North Run will be making a return to the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides on September 9 and thousands of youngsters are expected to take part. Entries opened at 10am this Wednesday, March 1 for the runs which between them cater for youngsters aged from three years to 16.
The Mini event is open to three to eight-year-olds and their grown-ups and will take in a 1.5km loop of the Quayside while the Junior run will see those aged from eight to 16 follow a more challenging 4k course. There also will be a Mini 50, a short course for children with specific needs who normally would not be able to participate in the age group events.
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The aim of the events - which are sponsored by AJ Bell like the main Great North Run which takes place the next day, September 10 - is to offer children the opportunity to be active and to experience the thrill of a large-scale event. They receive a medal and goody bag for taking part.
Paul Foster, chief executive of The Great Run Company which organises the weekend, said, “The AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run is the country’s biggest kids' running event. Last year over 9,000 young runners took on their own personal challenge on the quayside and experienced that finish line feeling."
He said the events are a highlight of the Great North Run weekend and added: "We hope the experience of taking part ignites a lifelong love of running and staying active.” For more information and to enter for either of the age categories see here.
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