By Mal Butler
A seven-year-old, from Newport, is claiming an unofficial world record for Junior Parkrun.
Phoenix Docksey, who attends Carisbrooke CE Primary School, only started running 5km Parkruns a year ago, but has already clipped nearly six minutes off his first effort.
Phoenix’s exploits have even got proud dad, Nathan, putting on his running shoes once more and joining in with him.
Nathan said: “Phoenix ran his first Parkrun in 26m 40s a year ago, but has now trimmed that time to 20m 58s which is a best for a child of his age.
“A year ago, he travelled up to the London Marathon with his school who had several pupils running the Mini Marathon the day before the main race, a one-mile event past Buckingham Palace, up The Mall and onto the main finish line. But someone didn’t turn up and Phoenix was asked if he wanted to take part and loved it.
“He took part again this year with the kids let go in waves of 500. He was the youngest top-10 finisher, and 88th overall out of the 18,000 who took part, with aged groups going up to 14.
“Phoenix is definitely one for the future as he gets older. He is still so young, so the main thing is to nurture his talent over the next few years and just let him enjoy running. He does it with such joy and is effortless. The time will come to take it seriously down the line, if that’s what he decides.”
Phoenix comes from an active family; his sister, Delilah, won the IW Schools Cross Country Championship in March, while his other sisters, Amelie and Jemima, are both strong sprinters.
Nathan was a teen athlete in both track and cross country representing IW & Hampshire and, thanks to Phoenix, has just got back into running again, recently completing the London Marathon.
He added: “We all do it as family, be that Junior Parkrun or races whilst out at the park; the kids just love to run.”
Isle of Wight Observer