LYME Regis has hosted its first ever Junior Parkrun – which got off to a flying start with 30 children taking on the challenge.

The event, which was put on hold due to the pandemic, launched on February 27 and will now take place every Sunday at 9am.

Cobb Gate Junior Parkrun takes place on The Promenade at Cobb Gate and is open to all four to 14-year-olds. It is free to join and involves a two-kilometre walk, jog or run.

The mayor of Lyme Regis, Cllr Brian Larcombe, was in attendance to see the parkrunners on their way and also clapped each and every one of them across the finish line.

Run director Mark Jenkin said: “Many people have supported our project to set up a Junior Parkrun in Lyme Regis. It’s been quite a journey and we are very grateful to everyone who has contributed along the way.

“We are always keen to hear from anyone wishing to join the team to marshal the events every Sunday at 9am.

“New runners four to 14-years-old are all welcome to come along, no matter whether they run, jog or walk the 2k route.”

The event has been in the pipeline for some time, with organisers working to set up a Junior Parkrun in Lyme Regis for several years. It was subsequently delayed by the pandemic for almost two years.

Volunteer, Adrianne Mullins, said: "The inaugural Cobb Gate Junior Parkrun was a huge success and it's great that we have a new, free community event in Lyme Regis promoting physical and mental wellbeing.

"It was a pleasure to be one of the volunteers helping out and to watch the 30 young runners challenging themselves and hopefully developing a love for running.

"We are expecting the numbers to grow and grow each week as word spreads and hope we can encourage young people to try something new, help build up their confidence and meet new people."

Cobb Gate Junior Parkrun takes place every Sunday at 9am and starts just below the Marine Theatre, The Promenade, DT7 3QD. The two-kilometre route takes two laps of the sea wall and finishes at its starting point.

There is a fun pre-event warm-up to get the participants moving and the group also grabs a post parkrun coffee at a local café.

The event is entirely run by volunteers and those able to help are asked to email cobbgatejuniors@parkrun.com

For more information visit www.parkrun.org.uk/cobbgate-juniors/