If you love running and want to take your kids out with you, we’ve got some great tips and ideas. Plus we got lots of information on where to take part in organised runs in York.
1. Make running fun!
Motivate your kids to participate and try their best. If they have fun and enjoy it, they will be more likely to carry on running.
2. Start slow and short
Start off with short distances and running slow and steady. Increase how often you go out running together and the distance and speed as you get used to it.
3. Set a goal
Set a target or goal to achieve. Perhaps being able to run far enough to complete a Junior Park Run (see details below) or enter a Fun Run!
4. Vary your runs and routes
Don’t do the same run every time or everyone will get bored. Run in different places and different surfaces and try running at different times of the day.
5. Learn about technique
Learn about proper breathing techniques and good running form.
The first Park Run featured 13 runners back in 2004. It has grown to over 3.5m runners globally across nearly 1800 events and offers free, weekly, timed runs across the UK and abroad.
For those starting out running or walking, Park Run is the most inclusive community you could wish for. There’s a tail walker to ensure no one finishes last, and the events are run by a team of volunteers. Kids are welcome to assist as well, and it’s a great way for teenagers to achieve their Duke of Edinburgh volunteering requirements.
All runs are 9am (though do check Facebook pages for cancellations or special events on New Years Day and Christmas Day) and require runners to register and print a barcode which you carry with you and get scanned at the end of the run.
York Parkruns – every Saturday at 9am
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate! Find out more here.
🏃♀️ York Racecourse, The Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EX
🏃♀️ York Sport Village, Lakeside Way, Heslington, York YO10 5FG
🏃♀️ New Earswick Sports Club, White Rose Avenue, New Earswick, York, YO32 4AG
Junior Parkrun – every Sunday at 9am
For kids aged 4-14, either accompanied by a parent or guardian or running alone – this is a super way to get some exercise early on a Sunday without ruining the rest of your day, or your Sunday Dinner! Find out more here.
🏃♀️ York Racecourse, The Knavesmire, York, YO23 1EX
The Junior Triathlon at York Sport is a great way to stay active. You can be a complete beginner or have been doing triathlons for years. The weekly sessions at York Sport are open for everyone. The junior sessions run every week and you can sign up at any time. The sessions focus on cycling, running, transition skills and conditioning, led by fully qualified British Triathlon & British Cycling coaches.
You can book a free taster session to see if you enjoy it. Once you’ve been to the taster session you can decide if you would like to sign up for the remaining weeks of the course.
Find out more at York Sport here and York Kids Triathlon here.
If you prefer walking or cycling in York we’ve got loads of information to inspire you!
50+ Walks in York – from walks in the city centre to some further afield.
Circular Walks in York – perfect for kids as there is no moaning about walking all the way back!
Walks with cafes nearby – we like to think of these with walks for a bonus treat for parents… coffee!
Woodland Walks near York – great for building in a few more activities for the kids, like den building or leaf collecting.
Nature Reserves near York – don’t miss our free scavenger hunts, there’s one for each season!
York Mumbler’s Mythical Creature Quest – if you want a short and fun walk around town, download our Quest!
Family-friendly cycle routes in York – enjoy a family cycle ride together
All details are correct at the time of publication (May 2023). If you know of any more child-friendly runs in York please send us an email!
