Hi-fives all round - GoodGym gives Junior Parkrun a helping hand

Fluorescent vest, check. Whistle (in case of disaster), check. Laminated instructions, check. Giant foam hand, check. Bubbles, optional. Enthusiasm, bucketloads.

Yes, GoodGym was back at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit helping out at the weekly junior parkrun for children aged four to 14.

The six of us had a special task of leading the warm-up for those taking part and their parents. And no matter how high the team jumped, kicked or bent in strange directions, the audience followed with gusto.

The sun also did its bit at warming us up, which was a welcome change.

Then, armed with our foam hands, we took our positions on the course, ready to hi-five the pint-sized athletes as they aimed to run the 2km the fastest possible.

"Great job", "Fabulous", "Brilliant", "Fantastic!", "You're amazing!", "Yayyyy!". Just some of the encouragement we gave to the parkrunners (and occasional parent) as they passed by. We meant every word. It's fantastic to see these young people show up on a Sunday morning and give their all.

You can see their sense of achievement on their faces.

69 children completed the course - that was a lot of GoodGym hi-fives.

The fastest did it in 8.05 minutes - though it is clear that everyone is a winner in the fun and friendly atmosphere.

Hi-fives also to the GoodGym team who ran to and from the sports ground - quite a challenge in itself.