More than 100 children are turning up each week to take part in Ballymena’s junior parkrun as the new Sunday morning event quickly becomes a hit with families.
Commencing at 9.30am, the free 2K run is open to children aged 4-14 and has brought a real buzz to The People’s Park since launching at the end of March.
The event has been made possible thanks to start-up funding from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Radius Housing and GlobeWeigh Group – helping create a safe and welcoming space for children to get active outdoors.
Radius Housing’s support is through the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, through the St Patrick’s Good Relations plan.
The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I was delighted to join the runners and their families for what was a thoroughly enjoyable morning in The People’s Park.
“There was such a great atmosphere, it was fantastic to see the junior parkrun off to such a strong start with so many young people getting active and making the most of this wonderful local space. I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t been yet to support the volunteers who make it happen and join in.”
A dedicated team of volunteers keeps everything running smoothly – from marshalling the route to cheering runners across the finish line. Organisers are now inviting more people to get involved.
Junior parkrun is free to join, with advance registration recommended. All participants need to do is sign up and bring their barcode along each week.
