Parkrun Weekend Double! - Kennington Park Junior parkrun #173 - 29/06/25

Last Sunday, in the sweltering heat, I attended Kennington Park junior parkrun in Kennington Park, Lambeth. Previously known as Kennington Common, and a site for public executions amongst other things, it was converted into a public park in 1852, featuring formal gardens and fountains. This 20-acre Park is owned by the Duchy of Cornwall but is managed by Lambeth Borough Council. The Park received a Green Flag in 2011 and, in 2014, a Heritage Lottery Fund award led to the restoration of the Flower Garden. Generously planted with towering trees, a delightful cafe and a children’s playground area, and Bee Urban, Kennington Park is quite literally a hive of activity.  

The flower garden is spectacular. Photo credit https://www.lambeth.gov.uk/parks/kennington-park

With a 1k circular carriage path, it is a perfect venue for a 2k parkrun event. Started in January 2022 by the passionate Event Director, Sylvie Besse, a dedicated Burgess Parkrun regular, the event has blossomed into a fantastic community resource, attracting and serving the diverse local community.   

Rita and Sylvie, Burgess parkrun regulars, Kennington Park Junior parkrun legends. Photo credit Kennington Park Junior parkrun

I vividly remember volunteering at the inaugural event in January 2022, and it’s a testament to everyone involved that it has flourished into such a welcoming and successful event. This week was particularly special, as one of the young people read a poem they’d written about running, which they’d entered into a national poetry competition. Such moments exemplify the event’s commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment in its young participants.

I was at Marshal Point 1, near the start. I cheered on the 52 participants, and when they came round for their second lap, with the sun up, the speed reduced for some, but the enthusiasm remained high. 

I was marshalling with my favourite person. Photo credit Kennington Park Junior parkrun

The 19-strong volunteer team was having as much fun as the kids, with lots of parents all blending in to make it a very inclusive event. 

You can read about how junior parkrun came about by reading chapter 27 in 'One Small Step' The Definitive Account of how a run became a Global Movement by Paul Sinton-Hewitt, the founder of parkrun.

On Saturday, I was at Burgess parkrun, where Joseph Aspinall completed the 5k in the 85-89 category. I wonder how many of today’s junior participants will still be running when they reach that age category. I’m sure that Sylvie’s vision for Kennington Junior Parkrun has already sparked a powerful light which will have a long-lasting impact on all those who have experienced it. 

Joseph Aspinall at Burgess parkrun, where I volunteered on Saturday. Photo credit Lucy Anne Frankelby

Happy parkrun

www.nuhorizons.uk

You can order Paul Sinton-Hewitt’s book One Small Step by clicking here. It’s a nourishing read.