A COLCHESTER schoolgirl has reached an impressive milestone by completing her 250th parkrun.
Stella Chandler, 13, began doing Junior ParkRun when she was just five years of age.
Reflecting on the feat, Jennie Chandler, Stella’s mother, discussed how her daughter’s parkrun journey first started all those years ago.
She said: “[Stella] started before Colchester Juniors had their own parkrun. She started off by going to Notley and Maldon Junior ParkRun.”
The family, who live near Colchester city centre, had no idea how much of role parkrun would play in their lives.
Jennie explained: “My husband helped start up Junior ParkRun in Colchester, so she didn’t have choice but to go along – we were already going as a family.
“She has hardly missed any weeks since it started.”
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In fact, taking part in hundreds of parkruns has provided multiple benefits for Stella.
Her mother explained that initially, the parkrun was a great fitness tool for Stella.
As a gymnast, her daughter needed to stay in good physical shape.
The parkrun is a 5km stretch from start to finish.
However, some participants choose to take the parkrun at a slower pace or walk for the duration.
Over the past six months, Stella has been volunteering while working towards The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Stella has been volunteering at Junior ParkRun every week, helping others to enjoy the experience.
The parkrun itself takes place every Sunday, at the Old Heath Recreation Ground located on Old Heath Road.
Stella, who goes to St Helena School in Colchester, also recently received a Jack Petchey Achievement Award which recognises outstanding young people aged between 11 and 25 across London and Essex.
Each winner also receives a certificate and can choose how to spend a £300 grant to benefit their school or organisation.
Meanwhile, organisations which are on the scheme get to apply for a package of other small grants throughout the year.
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