Kids and parents can get fit together at South Shields Junior Run

The South Shields Junior Run invites youngsters to tackle a 1.5-mile course along the seafront with their mum and dad by their side.

The event, organised by South Shields Harrier Luke Adams, will be going ahead on Saturday.

The 28-year-old sports coach said: “This will be the third out of six events and we’ve had up to 100 kids coming along to take part so far. It’s had a great response and the parents have been brilliant too.

“We’ll be having a presentation after the last event and all the kids who take part will get a medal, whether they’ve done all six runs or just one.

“There’s no pressure to complete the run in a particular time either, they can walk, jog or run, and it’s just about them getting out to take part.

“There isn’t much like this on offer that’s just for kids, and things like the Junior Great North Run can be quite expensive, but this is just a few quid and the parents can come along for free.”

Luke, from South Shields, added: “Parents don’t have to join in the run, they can just watch if they want, although if the child is under eight we advise the parent does join them.

“Some kids can be nervous about going along to events on their own, but this takes the pressure off. They can have fun and get fit alongside their mam or dad and make new friends while they’re there too.

“I’m trying to get the Harriers involved too so that this is sort of a stepping stone into a local running club.

“Having the parents come along has been really beneficial and the event has got a great family feel to it.

“We just haven’t done one in the winter yet, because I don’t want a kid’s first experience of running to be along the seafront in the winter when it’s freezing – we don’t want to put them off.”

The run starts at 10.15am, with registration at Minchella & Co, next to the Amphitheatre, in Sea Road, from 9.30am.

It costs £4 per child, and parents can join in free of charge.

People hoping to take part must register online by 6pm on Friday at www.runeatsleep.co.uk/juniorrunFurther events are set to take place on July 16, August 27 and September 17.