Volunteers still needed to help out at 5k event

The town’s mayor, Alderman Billy Ashe, who got the competitors under starters orders, said: “We’re delighted to welcome parkrun to Carrickfergus. It is a fantastic way of committing yourself to a weekly programme of exercise in a way that is great fun, motivational and with the distance being only 5km, it is achievable for most people. We hope it will be just as successful as it has been in other locations across the province”.

Vivien Davidson, a representative of Carrick-based Seapark Athletic Club, added: “This is a fantastic initiative which caters for all levels of runners. Whether you are pulling your trainers on for the first time, or love running marathons, parkrun offers something for everyone.

“The great thing about parkrun is that it is managed and organised on a voluntary basis by the community for the community.

“We have nearly 20 volunteers willing to get involved in the organisation of the event, but we need more. We would encourage as many people as possible to come forward to help out at the event. You don’t need to be a runner to volunteer, just someone who may have a hour to spare every other Saturday morning who can call upon to help.”

Parkrun is a free, weekly 5km run which is open to everyone, and is safe and easy to take part.

People of all abilities and fitness levels are encouraged to have a go, from those talking their first steps in running to long-service runners and from juniors to those more experienced - everybody is welcome! The parkrun will last for approximately an hour, starting at 9.30am each Saturday morning.

The Carrickfergus parkrun has been set up in coordination with Carrickfergus Borough Council and Seapark AC, with funding from the Health Promotion Agency and Sport NI.