‘Fantastic’ start to first Ballynahinch parkrun

‘Fantastic’ start to first Ballynahinch parkrun

17 April 2024

AFTER a false start, the new Montalto Estate Parkrun finally got off and running in Ballynahinch on Saturday morning. 

The inaugural parkrun, which was due to take place the previous weekend, was cancelled due to Storm Kathleen.

Despite the week-long delay Saturday’s park run was deemed “a huge success” by co-event director Joan Telford.

The event attracted 432 participants who covered the five-kilometre distance.

“Everyone we spoke to thought it was absolutely fantastic,” Joan said.

“There was nothing but smiles on people’s faces and everyone just made their way through the route in their own time – it was great to see.

“Parkruns have so many health benefits, both mentally and physically, so to have that many people turn up and take part is really encouraging.”

The event attracted people from as far away as Donegal and Belfast – including some who were unaware that the Montalto Estate existed.

“Our aim was to create an inclusive cross-community event for people of all ages to come and have a fun morning out and to take their mind off some the stresses that go on in everyday life,” Joan explained.

“We had 62 participants who had never ran or walked in a park run before, but they all seemed to have had a brilliant time.

“There was one participant who was blind, but he was able to do the run with a guide and our marshals kept everyone right – the event is a success because of the work the marshals and the volunteers put it.”

The run consisted of flat paths, a number of hills and finished near the estate’s beautiful lake. 

The parkrun’s committee began working in early March to secure funding to make the event a reality.

Sports NI gave £4,000 to the committee which allowed them to proceed with the event and Down Rural Community donated £150 which allowed the committee to invest in vests and refreshments.

Ballynahinch Men’s Shed made the committee a token board to help expedite token sorting at the end of the run each week.

Montalto GP Surgery also promoted the event due to its health benefits, with Dr Poland of the surgery attending the initial meeting to launch the parkrun. 

“We are so grateful to Sports NI and Down Rural Community for their generous donations,” Joan said.

“They’re donations have made the event a success and we hope to see more people come down to participate in the event in the coming weeks.

“It’s so good for your health and gives you the opportunity to socialise and meet new people.”

Montalto Estate managing director David Wilson said: “We are thrilled to be facilitating a new parkrun at Montalto Estate. 

“We recognise that it’s a fantastic opportunity for locals of all ages and abilities to come together, get active, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings on offer. 

“We believe parkrun will foster a strong sense of community spirit in the area and we hope it will encourage participants to embrace an active lifestyle and create a positive impact on the overall health of our community.”

He added: “As an additional benefit for parkrun runners, we will offer 10% off all breakfast items in the café when they show their barcode that morning – a well deserved treat and a great way to meet and engage with other runners.”