ORGANISERS have hailed a record turnout for the Stormont Christmas Day Parkrun.
Almost 800 runners crossed the finish line, topping the previous record of 776 runners, set on New Year’s Day in 2020. This year, a total of 790 finished the run.
Event director Alison Canning said the numbers demonstrated the enduring popularity of running.
“It’s absolutely amazing to see so many people start their Christmas morning with us here,” she said.
“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 popular.”
“The atmosphere here is just amazing with all the costumes and the Santa hats,” she added.
“Everybody just likes to get out and spread a bit of Christmas spirit.”
Among 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.”
Stormont runners with Event director Alison Canning (centre, top pic)
