Junior 2k parkruns for children aged 4-10 can return from the 15th of August 2021

In a recent blog post, parkrun Ireland announced that 2k junior parkruns for children aged 4-10 can return from the 15th of August 2021.

In the blog post, they said... "Following discussions with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, we can confirm that junior parkrun can return across Ireland from Sunday 15 August 2021.

We are currently working with all junior parkrun event teams, and their ambassadors and landowners, to complete all the necessary tasks prior to reopening."

Due to an expected demand in numbers, those aged 11 to 14 are excluded for the moment. They will be able to participate once the adult 5k parkruns start up again.

As regards the return of the main 5k parkruns, they wrote... "Whilst we are hopeful that, as the situation improves, we will begin to see a plan for the easing of restrictions sufficient to allow our 5k events to return, we are not at that stage yet. However, we remain in contact with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and will provide a further update on the situation regarding 5k events as soon as we have more to communicate."

As there is no pre-entry for 5k parkruns, they cannot control the numbers taking part and as a result, they can't hold the events. This won't change until the 500 participant level increases.

"Sadly, because a number 5k events in Ireland are likely to exceed the current 500 participant limit, we are not able to bring back 5k events just yet."

For the latest on your local junior parkrun, check out their respective Facebook page.

In Cork, there are junior parkruns in Ballincollig and Cobh. Links to their website are on the parkrun page.