Hundreds of runners participated in a Christmas Day Parkrun in Belfast, breaking the course record with almost 800 finishers. The Stormont estate was filled with festive cheer as people of all ages joined in the event.
A Belfast Parkrun broke its course participation record on Christmas Day, as almost 800 festive runners crossed the finish line. Hundreds descended on the Stormont estate in east Belfast for an event that has become a seasonal favourite in the local running calendar. There were Father Christmas hats and elf ears aplenty at the start line, as young and old set off around the picturesque course for the ninth outing of the special Christmas Day Parkrun .
Festive music playing through loudspeakers reverberated around the estate, while crowds of supporters cheered the runners as they passed. The Stormont event was one of a number of Parkruns in Northern Ireland on Christmas Day. The previous course record at Stormont was 776 participants, set on New Year's Day a few years ago. On Christmas Day a total of 788 finished the run. Such was the size of the bumper crowd that organisers had to record the times of dozens of runners manually in the closing stages, as they only had 720-time tokens to hand out to finishers. One of those taking part was Deirdre Fitzpatrick, a member of the Ormeau Runners club in south Belfast. 'What better way to start Christmas than to come out for a run with all your friends,' she said. 'It's been unbelievable. There are over 750 people running here today, which shows how much running has grown - and that's because it's so important to all of us.' Event director Alison Canning said the record number of participants demonstrated the enduring popularity of running. 'It's been a record-breaking morning,' she said. 'We have had 788 finishers this morning. The most we've ever had in the past is 776 on a New Year's Day a few years back. So it's absolutely amazing to see so many people start their Christmas morning with us here.' She added: 'We've all abandoned our dinner preparations and the Lego building and I think it's because running and park running in general is so popula
Parkrun Christmas Record Running Belfast
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Belfast's Independent Christmas Market Returns to North Belfast SiteVault Artist Studio’s popular Christmas market will return to Carlisle Memorial Church on December 7-8, marking the second year of its partnership with Belfast Buildings Trust. The market, despite the group relocating to new premises, continues to thrive and attract visitors.
Read more »
Christmas Day weather forecast for Manchester according to Met Office and moreWhat the forecasters say for the weather on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Read more »
Belfast Couple to Deliver Christmas Day Meals AgainTony O’Neill and Jen Curran, a Belfast couple and online food experts, will provide Christmas Day meals, music, and entertainment to individuals who may spend the holiday alone, continuing a tradition that began five years ago and resumed last year.
Read more »
Belfast Business Owner Opens Restaurant on Christmas Day to Feed the HomelessJoe Elshewihi, a successful Belfast business owner, will be opening his Falafel Fresh restaurant on Christmas Day to provide free meals and company to those in need.
Read more »
Belfast Restaurant Opens Doors on Christmas Day to Help Those in NeedJoe Elshewihi, owner of Falafel Fresh Restaurant in Belfast, is opening his doors on Christmas Day to provide free meals and company to anyone who needs it.
Read more »
White Christmas latest as area set for Christmas Day snowfallA white Christmas is hoped for by many across the UK as snow is expected to fall on December 25, with one weather expert predicting the most likely area to see snow
Read more »