Children, families and staff from Marine Park First School came together for a day of community spirit and activity as hundreds took part in a special junior parkrun takeover event in Whitley Bay on Sunday 10 May.
An incredible 442 children attended the event, with organisers now working with parkrun to verify whether it marks the largest attendance ever recorded at a junior parkrun event.
Marine Park First School has partnered with junior parkrun since 2017 and organises a takeover event each year to encourage children and families to get active, enjoy the outdoors and take part in their local community.
This year’s event saw pupils, staff, volunteers and families turn out in huge numbers, creating a fantastic atmosphere along the seafront.
Stephen Easton, Headteacher at Marine Park First School, said: “We were absolutely blown away by the turnout and the support from families and the wider community. The atmosphere on the day was incredible, and the children loved every minute of it.
“We’re particularly proud that Marine Park was one of the first schools locally to work with the parkrun team and take part in a junior parkrun takeover back in 2017, and it’s fantastic to see how that spirit has grown into something even bigger today.
“At Marine Park First School, we’re passionate about encouraging children to be active, build confidence and feel part of their community, and Junior parkrun is a fantastic way to bring all of that together. We’re incredibly proud of every child, family member, volunteer and member of staff who helped make the day such a success.”
Photos and video footage from the day captured the scale of the event and the enthusiasm of everyone involved. A video of the event can be found here.