Big turnout for Ballymena junior parkrun as kids hit the ground running
Monday 11 May 2026
More than 100 children are turning up each week to take part in The People’s Park junior parkrun, as the new Sunday morning event quickly becomes a hit with local families.
Held every Sunday at 9.30am, the free 2K run is open to children aged 4-14 and has brought a real buzz to The People’s Park since launching at the end of March. With smiling faces and plenty of encouragement along the route, the focus is firmly on fitness, building confidence and supporting the local community, all whilst having fun.
The event has been made possible thanks to start-up funding from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Radius Housing and GlobeWeigh Group - helping create a safe and welcoming space for children to get active outdoors. Radius Housing’s support is through the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, through the St Patrick’s Good Relations plan.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, said: “I was delighted to join the runners and their families for what was a thoroughly enjoyable morning in The People’s Park. There was such a great atmosphere, it was fantastic to see the junior parkrun off to such a strong start with so many young people getting active and making the most of this wonderful local space. I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t been yet to support the volunteers who make it happen and join in.”
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers keep everything running smoothly – from marshalling the route to cheering runners across the finish line. Organisers are now inviting more people to get involved, including parents, grandparents and young people working towards Duke of Edinburgh or Gaisce Awards.
Junior parkrun is free to join, with advance registration recommended. All participants need to do is sign up and bring their barcode along each week.
