YOUNGSTERS are on their marks and in a hurry to sign up new recruits for Greenock's junior parkrun after it clocked up its first big milestone.

The free community-run race recently celebrated its 50th meet in the Battery Park and all the regular little runners, some as young as six, are hoping more kids will join them at the start line every Sunday.

The 2k run gives them a chance to get outdoors and spend time with their family and friends and is a spin-off from the popular Greenpock Parkrun which take place every Saturday on the Esplanade.

Six-year-old Thom Campbell, from Greenock, said: "I have been taking part since it started.

"We get timed and it is a bit like Lego, you build on it every time.

"I feel amazing after it."

Fellow young runner eight-year-old Anna Shearer added: "I love it when everyone cheers me over the finish line.

"I have met lots of new people from parkrun."

Lucy Macfarlane, Isobel Lafferty, Isla Clark and Frances McFadden are also regulars at the event.

Seven-year-old Lucy, from Greenock, said: "The marshals are lovely and cheer everyone on."

Isobel, eight, took part in the first ever park run, added: "You feel so proud of yourself when you get a personal best time."

Ten year old Aimee McEleny is encouraging other youngsters to give parkrun a go while her big sister Erin, 13, helps run the race and takes part in the main one on Saturdays as well.

Aimee said: "If you do other sports it can help with that too.

"I sometimes don't feel like running but am always glad afterwards as it feels good when you're finished."

Organisers hope the junior park run will continue to catch on and more children will join in the fun.

Director Fiona Macfarlane said: "We started the junior run and then Covid hit, so we are now hoping to make a real go of it and hope other children will join us.

"We couldn't do it all without our volunteer marshals who turn up every week, so we would like to thank them all very much."

*The junior parkrun is open to youngsters aged four to 14 ans takes place every Sunday in the Battery Park at 9.30am.