Junior Parkrun
Every Sunday morning at 9am, you will find 100+ children running a 2km route around The Rye. This is the Wycombe Rye junior parkrun, a version of the all-age event that happens on Saturdays. Open to all children aged 4 - 14, it is completely free of charge, thanks to the volunteers who marshal the course and help with timing the participants.
It began in February 2017 and celebrated 400 events in August. Participants should arrive at 8.45am in time for briefings and a warm-up session. They should register at parkrun.org.uk/register to obtain an individual barcode for a recorded time. However, newcomers may simply come to The Rye on the day, to see if it’s for them. There’s no special kit required; you just need comfortable shoes and clothing.
Parents can either spectate or join in with their children. They can rest assured the 22 weekly volunteers ensure all are safe and accounted for, with a ‘tail walker’ who is always the last to finish. It’s emphasised that this is a run, not a race. In fact, participants can choose to run, walk or even skip around the course, depending on what feels like fun!
Wycombe Judo Centre
On Barry Close, just off Cressex Road, you will find the Judo Centre which was built in 1987. It’s special for two main reasons. Firstly, because it is one of only four purpose-built judo centres in the country. And secondly, because it offers far more than judo.
Visited by 1500+ local people every week, it offers all sorts of activities for everyone, from baby and toddler groups to activity classes for older people. The centre is home to Booker Gym Club which has members from beginner level to representing the UK at international competitions. In addition, Handy Cross Runners are based there too. Martial arts, baby sensory classes, trampolining, Zumba and activities for people with additional needs – you can find it all there, in a club that sees itself more like a community centre than an elite sports club.
As far as judo is concerned, the club regularly hosts regional and national competitions and it is viewed as one of the premier clubs in the region. Yet it welcomes beginners, offering a six-week introductory course for £65, which includes the ‘judogi’, the two-piece uniform worn for judo practice.
For more information, please visit wycombejudocentre.co.uk or, for Booker Gym Club, bookergymclub.co.uk.
