Ballymena Runners support Ecos parkrun 10th anniversary

10 years and going strong, Ecos parkrun

Almost 300 people gathered in Ecos Park on Saturday to celebrate 10 years of Ecos parkrun with 237 people completing the run and walk. Claire Martin led a lively warm up to get everyone in the mood for the run. This may have accounted for so many personal best times on the day! Afterwards everyone was treated to a slice of the huge celebration cake.

The Ecos parkrun started in March 2012 with the initiative of local Susanna Allen and support of Ballymena Runners and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Alastair Donaghy, Chair of Ballymena Runners, said ‘By far the most important contribution of parkrun is that it encourages so many more people to take up running. Events of the last two years have highlighted the value of being active together in a friendly and welcoming community.’

The free 5 km event is organised entirely by volunteers with almost 600 helping out over the past 10 years. It brings over 200 people together every Saturday to walk or run and to support each other. Councillor Eugene Reid, who is a regular participant, said that ‘Ecos parkrun is about much more than walking or running a few miles, it is about making friends and getting together regularly in a safe and supportive community.’

Ecos parkrun also supports the wider local community by helping care for Ecos nature park and making collections for the foodbank and hygiene bank. Will McDowell of Ballymena Foodbank said ‘We are very grateful to the Ecos parkrun community for hosting monthly collection points for food as well as for sports clothing and equipment to help others be active.’

The Spirit of Ecos parkrun award was presented this year to Gerry Meehan. Gerry has completed over 80 parkruns but was unable to join in last year due to injury. Instead he became a regular volunteer, helping out every week that he could. Gerry also promoted parkrun to those working towards youth awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Gaisce The President’s Award. Thanks to that we have a team of young helpers, Freya, Annabel, Matthew and Stuart, completing their volunteering at parkrun.

There are over 5500 people signed up to Ecos parkrun ranging in age from 5 to over 85. Anyone can join in whether you are going to take an hour for a walk or challenge yourself to set a record and it is inclusive for all abilities.

At the anniversary celebrations people reflected on what parkrun means to them.

Mark Osmer who was at the first event said ‘Loved it since Event 1. Thank you to all the amazing volunteers.’

Torie Tennant described parkrun as ‘a community, inclusive and a place where I as a visually impaired walker can participate like anyone else with the help of volunteers who are my eyes on the course.’

Dorothy Orr said ‘What a great morning it was. The 15 months when parkrun was cancelled due to the pandemic taught us never to take parkrun for granted. Here’s to 10 more years of parkrun.’

If you would like to join in parkrun just register once at register | parkrun UK You will be sent a barcode to bring along to get a record of every parkrun you complete.

Heres a selection of pics from the day. Hundreds more are on the Ecos parkrun facebook page.

We run together.