In pictures: Falkirk's Helix celebrates 500 junior parkruns (part two)

The event has been running weekly at the Falkirk park, which is home to The Kelpies, since April 2014.

Aside from an 18 month pause during Covid times, volunteers have been coming out most Sunday mornings for the last 12 years to ensure young people can participate in the free event which promotes exercise among the younger members of our community.

Yes there have been call offs due to weather and other pre-arranged events in the park during that time, but events have gone ahead whenever they can.

And on Sunday, organisers were delighted to host the local junior parkrun’s 500th event.

Herald photographer Michael Gillen was there to capture photographs from the day.

Junior parkrun is a nationwide event which sees those between the ages of four and 14 complete a 2k route in parks across the UK every Sunday at 9.30am.

Participants can walk, jog or run the route, which in the Helix takes in the park’s Great Lawn and Lagoon.

The events are free, inclusive and open to all abilities. Some of the young people’s adults choose to complete the route alongside them, while others can be found on the sidelines cheering everyone on.

Sunday’s milestone event saw the Helix junior parkrun’s largest turnout to date with 153 young people completing the course.

At its first event back in April 2014, there were 87 participants who took part.

This weekend there were both returning and regular participants, as well as 22 first timers.

Some chose to embrace the celebratory superhero theme and wore fancy dress as they ran or walked.

During the morning, 24 juniors achieved personal bests, four received bands for regular attendance at parkruns and five clubs were represented.

The first finishers for the 500th event were Ben and Cara.

Organisers said the event would not have been possible on Sunday if it wasn’t for the support of the 39 fabulous volunteers.

Mark Sutherland, co event director, said: “We broke our attendance record, we welcomed loads of first timers, the atmosphere was brilliant and there was a plethora of cake.

“In planning for our 500th event, we couldn’t predict the weather. We needn’t have worried, it played ball impeccably.

"Huge thanks to our special guests – the warm-up duo Lynsey Gow and Kane Elliott.

"Lynsey was the original event director, instrumental in securing permissions, funding and volunteers for our first event. On that day, Kane was our first finisher and has since gone on to become a professional athlete, competing globally and performing at elite level. Thank you both.

"Depute Provost David Balfour, representing our landowner, gave a few words of encouragement and started the event. Thank you for coming along and supporting.”

Two regular attendees – Tane R and Ben U – completed their last junior parkruns on Sunday before they turn 15 this week. Ben is the Helix course record holder and has been attending the junior parkrun since he was four.

Mark added: “On behalf of myself and Jimmy as co event directors can we thank all our volunteers, the parents, the carers, the family members and all our junior parkrunners who make our Sunday mornings amazing.

"We are so grateful for your help and encouragement.

"It means so much to me seeing young people having the opportunity to get out, get active, support their community and meet with friends. You are all superheroes.”

The Helix junior parkrun’s ethos has always been one of community. Organisers say it will always be a welcoming space.

For more information visit parkrun.org.uk