A NEW parkrun aimed at children is taking off more slowly than hoped, according to city council figures.

The city council wants to see 5,000 children aged 4-14 years taking part in the weekly run at North Walls Park in Winchester in the 2018-19 financial year.

So far at the half way stage the number is 1,796, below the target of 2,500.

A report to council said it was the first year so it was difficult to accurately estimate the likely interest.

There is a social media marketing campaign and promotion through primary schools.

The adult parkrun is doing well. The target for 2018-19 is 13,500 and at the halfway stage the number is on track at 8,713.

It is a similar picture in the southern parishes at the Whiteley parkrun. The target is 10,000 and after six months the figure is 5,405.

It is part of the city council’s aim to get more people taking part in physical activities.