Link the Town 2025: Ballymena gears up for a day of community, fitness, and FREE family fun

Ballymena is set to come alive on Saturday, 13 September 2025, as the St Patrick’s Regeneration Site hosts the much-anticipated ‘Link the Town’ event.

This free, family-friendly day promises to unite runners, walkers, and families in a celebration of community spirit, physical activity, and the ongoing transformation of the St Patrick’s Link Road area.

Organised by Ballymena Runners and supported by local community groups, the event offers something for everyone, from competitive races to bouncy castles and petting farms.

The day’s highlight includes a 2.5k walk and run suitable for all ages, encouraging participants of every fitness level to get active. For those seeking a challenge, a Golden Mile timed race, open to individuals aged 14 and above, will be hosted by Ballymena Runners.

Those interested in the Golden Mile are encouraged to register in advance at www.ballymenarunners.org.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating:

“I’m delighted to see the community being brought together for a family-friendly event that everyone can enjoy and that boosts well-being by encouraging people of all ages to stay active.

“The ongoing transformation of the St Patrick’s Link Road area, through the ambitious regeneration project, is continuing to create economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits across the Borough.”

A community-focused celebration

Held at Ballymena Showgrounds on St Patrick’s Link Road, ‘Link the Town’ is more than just a sporting event.

Community groups, including D3MAC, Ballykeel 2 & District Community Association, and Doury Road Development Group, have collaborated to create a vibrant fun day, supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the Department for Communities, Radius Housing, Triangle Housing, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.

The event will feature a wide array of activities designed to entertain all ages. Families can enjoy a DJ, bouncy castles, giant games, face painting, and hair and nail technicians.

A petting farm and the PSNI gaming van will add to the excitement, while emergency services will showcase vehicles, including a police car and fire engine.

Representatives from Northern Regional College (NRC) will also be on hand, offering careers advice and interactive stations to inspire attendees.

For those needing a moment of calm, WAVES will provide a dedicated sensory-friendly space, complete with a dark tent and resources tailored for individuals with additional needs.

Food and drink options, including burger, ice cream, and coffee vans, will ensure everyone stays refreshed throughout the day.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons praised the event’s community focus, saying:

“It’s great to support this event as it returns to the St Patrick’s site for a second year. The organisers have put in a lot of effort to create a fantastic community-focused day, with lots to do for families, runners and non-runners alike, and I wish them every success for a wonderful event.

“It will also be an opportunity for people to see how the St Patrick’s regeneration is progressing, with housing and the NRC campus now completed at the site.”

Bridging communities through shared goals

‘Link the Town’ made its debut in 2024, aiming to foster connections across Ballymena while promoting health and well-being. This year’s event continues to build on that legacy, supported by the ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, which aligns with the Northern Ireland Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy.

This initiative reflects a commitment to improving community relations and creating a more united society through events like ‘Link the Town’.

Local community groups echoed this sentiment. D3MAC Community Group stated,

“D3MAC is delighted to be part of what promises to be a fantastic family day out. It’s wonderful to see so many community groups and agencies coming together to create a wide range of activities, ensuring there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Ballykeel 2 & District Community Association added:

“This is our second year involved in this project alongside D3MAC and others. Events like ‘Link the Town’ offer great opportunities to bridge the differences between communities and allow us all to progress towards the same goal – a brighter and better future for everyone in Ballymena.”

Doury Road Development Group also expressed excitement, noting:

“Doury Road Development Group is happy to be included in the ‘Link The Town’ event to promote projects and services in North Ballymena, while having the great opportunity to run or walk the Link Road in different parts of the town.”

A day packed with activities

The event kicks off at 10:30am with gates opening at Ballymena Showgrounds. Family-friendly games and bouncy castles will begin at 11:30am, followed by a warm-up to music at 11:45am.

The 2.5k fun walk and run starts at noon, with registration for the Golden Mile closing at 12:15pm. The Golden Mile race, organised by Ballymena Runners, will commence at 12:45pm.

Race organiser Raymond Ruck from Ballymena Runners expressed gratitude to the event’s sponsors, stating:

“Ballymena Runners are delighted to take part in this fantastic event. We would like to thank sponsors of the event Department for Communities, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Radius Housing, Triangle Housing and Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

“We would also like to thank the community groups who are putting on a wonderful, fun event for all the community.”

Radius and Triangle Housing Associations, key supporters of the event, said in a joint statement:

“Radius and Triangle Housing Associations in Ballymena, delivering under the ‘Housing for All’ shared housing programme, are delighted to support this positive and exciting community event for the second year.

“This event has it all, from the fun walk/run and Golden Mile to a raft of community activities with lots of fun for the whole family.

“As we develop our shared communities, the Housing Associations in Ballymena want to ensure that we support strong community relations, and we look forward to racing ahead with more wonderful events like this.”

A showcase of regeneration and unity

The event also offers a chance to witness the progress of the St Patrick’s Regeneration Site, which now includes completed housing and the NRC campus. This transformation underscores the broader economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits being delivered across Mid and East Antrim.

Whether you’re lacing up for the 2.5k run, cheering on Golden Mile racers, or enjoying the family-friendly activities, ‘Link the Town’ promises a day of fun, fitness, and community connection.

Admission is free, but those wishing to participate in the Golden Mile race should register in advance.