Darlington Junior Parkrun Celebrates Railway Heritage in Style
Darlington junior parkrun celebrates the 200th anniversary of railways with a fun-filled event, highlighting local heritage and community spirit.
Darlington's Young Runners Celebrate Railway Legacy
In a delightful homage to history, scores of children and volunteers took part in a special junior parkrun in Darlington, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of railways. The event in South Park was themed around the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway, marking a significant milestone in transportation history.
As the young parkrunners tackled the 2k course, adult volunteers formed a playful train of cardboard carriages, ingeniously "pulled" by the iconic Locomotion No. 1. Event Director Philippa Rayner donned the role of The Magical Controller, leading the festivities with a smile. "We wanted to remind the kids of Darlington's special place in history, and our wonderful volunteers truly embraced the spirit of the day!" she exclaimed. And thankfully, the weather cooperated, sparing the event from a soggy disaster!
Naomi Bartholomew-Millar, with some help from her mum, showcased her crafting prowess by creating the impressive Locomotion No. 1, which was towed by her daughters, Ella and Lucy. Local brownies and rainbows also lent a hand, decorating the carriages to add a splash of color to the event.
To get the young athletes pumped up, they were entertained by a brass band called The Rocket Rollers, featuring a talented lineup that included Naomi herself. Every participant received a commemorative medal crafted by Jen Foster and Wendy Togher, and Darly, the adorable train mascot from Darlington Building Society, made a special guest appearance to assist with medal distribution.
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