Junior Park Run to launch at The Oratory Prep School in 2026
The Oratory Prep School has announced that it will become the home of a new Junior Park Run in 2026, bringing a free, weekly 2km event for children aged 4–14 to the local community.
Junior Park Run is designed to encourage children to be active in a positive, inclusive and non-competitive environment. Participants are welcome to run, jog or walk the course at their own pace, with the emphasis firmly on enjoyment, confidence and wellbeing rather than performance.
Set within the school’s extensive grounds in South Oxfordshire, The Oratory Prep School provides an ideal setting for the event. The school hopes the new Junior Park Run will be enjoyed by both its own pupils and families from the surrounding area, strengthening community links and promoting healthy habits from a young age.
As with all Junior Park Run events, the weekly run will be entirely volunteer-led. The school is now calling on parents, carers and members of the local community to help bring the project to life. Volunteer roles range from marshalling and timekeeping to offering encouragement along the route, with full guidance and training provided. Volunteers are not required to commit every week, and no prior experience is necessary.
A spokesperson for The Oratory Prep School said:
'Junior Park Run is a wonderful initiative that aligns closely with our belief in the importance of outdoor activity, confidence and community. We are excited to be hosting this event and look forward to welcoming families from across the area. Volunteers will play a vital role in making it a success.'
Those interested in volunteering can sign up online at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScpkgcb4Zy_EemTGB5A5u4epaB4pALUlEE8n1GP7RrHEc3u2A/viewform or by emailing marc.thomas@parkrun.comFurther details about the launch and start dates will be shared as planning continues.
December 2025