Ballymena junior parkrun draws huge crowds as families embrace Sunday event

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford blows the starting whistle as young runners set off for the junior parkrun in The People's Park, Ballymena.

More than 100 children are now turning out every week for Ballymena’s junior parkrun, with the Sunday morning event rapidly becoming one of the town’s most popular new family activities.

Held in The People’s Park every Sunday at 9.30am, the free 2K run for children aged four to 14 has created a fresh buzz around the town’s flagship green space since launching at the end of March.

What began as a new community initiative has quickly grown into a major weekly gathering point for local families, with organisers reporting strong attendance, a lively atmosphere and growing volunteer support.

A growing Sunday morning tradition

Another fantastic turnout for the ever popular Ballymena Junior Parkrun event, held weekly on a Sunday morning at People’s Park in the town.

Each week, young runners take on a 2K route around the park paths, cheered on by volunteers, parents and supporters lining the course.

While the event focuses on physical activity and healthy lifestyles, organisers say the bigger success story has been the sense of community developing around it.

Children are encouraged to take part at their own pace, with the emphasis placed firmly on enjoyment, confidence-building and participation rather than competition.

The event has already become a regular fixture for many local families looking for a free, outdoor activity at the weekend.

More than just a run

The People’s Park junior parkrun has been supported through start-up funding provided by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Radius Housing and GlobeWeigh Group.

Radius Housing’s contribution comes through the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme as part of the St Patrick’s Good Relations Plan.

The backing has helped establish what organisers describe as a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for children to get active outdoors while building friendships and confidence.

For Ballymena families, the growing popularity of the event reflects increasing demand for low-cost community activities focused on wellbeing, social connection and healthy lifestyles for young people.

Mayor praises strong turnout

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford pictured with runners and volunteers at The People's Park junior parkrun.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said he was delighted to see the event attracting such strong support so quickly.

He said:

“It’s fantastic to see so many young people enjoying the junior parkrun in The People’s Park. Each week there’s a great atmosphere, and it’s a fantastic way for families to come together, get active and make the most of this wonderful local space.”

The Mayor also praised the volunteers who help make the weekly event possible and encouraged more people to become involved.

“I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t been yet to support the volunteers who make it happen and join in,” he added.

Volunteers at the heart of the event

Behind the scenes, a dedicated volunteer team manages everything from marshalling the route to organising runners and cheering children across the finish line.

Organisers are now appealing for additional volunteers, including parents, grandparents and young people working towards Duke of Edinburgh or Gaisce awards.

Volunteers are regarded as the backbone of parkrun events, helping create a supportive and safe atmosphere while strengthening wider community connections.

The organisers say the continued growth of the Ballymena event will depend heavily on ongoing volunteer support in the months ahead.

How families can take part

The People’s Park junior parkrun takes place every Sunday at 9.30am.

Key details include:

• Free to enter

• Open to children aged 4–14

• 2K route through The People’s Park

• Advance registration recommended

• Participants must bring their barcode each week

Volunteering and event enquiries can be made by emailing: thepeoplesparkballymenajuniors@parkrun.com

With attendance figures already topping 100 children each week after little more than a month, organisers hope the event will continue growing into a long-term fixture for Ballymena families and young runners.