Running Is Great For Kids – Here’s Why
We all know about the health benefits of running for adults, and Kids are no different. Let’s dig into why running is so good for youngsters.
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Junior &
Mini Events
It's fun to run
Our hugely popular Mini, Junior and Family Runs get the whole family involved. And with banging tunes, plenty of high fives and an electric atmosphere as standard, there’s no better event to kickstart a lifelong love of being active.
We welcome Minis aged 3-8 to take on a fun and frenzied 1.5k dash, while Juniors aged 9-15 (16 at Junior Great North Run) tackle a 2.5k challenge, or an even more incredible 4km at the AJ Bell Junior Great North Run. Or, you can make it a family affair and run a mile together in one of our Family Run events. Crazy costumes optional; incredible finish line feeling guaranteed.
And, have you met Tyney? Tyney the Tortoise is our official Great Run mascot who made their debut in 2022 at the Great North Run, where they had an amazing time meeting, and high-fiving, junior and mini runners! Tyney is on a mission to spread the word that running is fun for all ages – say hello to endorphins, great moods, self-esteem and friendships old and new! You can find out more about Tyney, download fun activities, read helpful blogs and sign up to your nearest event below.
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AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run
10,000 kids took part this year, making SUPER SATURDAY the biggest yet. Sign up for 2024 today!
AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run
Calling all young running superstars...the Junior & Mini Great Birmingham Run is back in 2024
AJ Bell Great Bristol Family Run
Make it a family event with the one mile family run, at the Great Bristol Run.
AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Manchester Run
It's the kids' chance to shine! The AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great Manchester Run is back at the Etihad Campus on Saturday 25 May 2024.
AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
Make it a fun day out for the whole family at the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run.
AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run
Mini 1.5k & Junior 2.5k. Make it a Great day out for all the family in Portsmouth, the UK's best waterfront city.
Tyney’s Story…
Hi I’m Tyney! I was born south of the River Tyne in 1981, with a unique shell… After being teased for my different shell, I left South Shields to find out where I belonged. I followed the River Tyne all the way to Newcastle to see what I had been searching for… the Tyne Bridge! With the arches bearing a remarkable resemblance to my shell, it was here where I felt that I belonged and from then on, became known as Tyney.
On my journey to find a home, I was mocked for being slow and told I would never be able to run! Born in the North East in the 1970s, there was only one hero who kept me motivated to keep running… Sir Brendan Foster.
His 1976 Summer Olympics outfit is the inspiration behind my vest and shorts too!
I’m not the best nor fastest runner, but I always put 110% into what I do! I’ll be joining some of the Junior Mini events this year, encouraging people to be themselves and to not let anyone have the power to knock others down. I like to think that I am a friend that everyone needs!
I also never say no to a good dance, and even have my own signature move called the ‘shell-shake’ which will be coming out at all Great Run events that I come to!
Tyney’s Tips
Tyney’s Terrific Running Tips
Tyney the Tortoise reveals his terrific running tips ahead of the upcoming Junior & Mini and Family events!
Fun Activities
Download and print a template below to design your own Tyney shell, or colour Tyney in!
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