Picturesque 5km run to be held at Carnfunnock Park

The event, which has been successfully taking place in other parts of the province including Ballymena and Belfast, gives runners of all abilities the opportunity to take part in a weekly 5km run each Saturday morning.

Larne Council feels the Parkrun could be an asset to the borough and has agreed to support the event.

The proposed route would start and finish at Drains Bay and incorporate Carnfunnock Country Park.

The Parkrun will last for about an hour, starting at 9.30am each Saturday, and the council has said the event will have a minimal impact on other park users.

Minutes from a recent meeting of the council’s leisure committee state: “Parkrun has the potential to draw hundreds of participants from all communities throughout the borough, promoting good relations through sport and physical activity.

“It will also provide Larne, and more specifically Carnfunnock Country Park, with extra kudos throughout Northern Ireland and further afield, with the potential for travelling participants who reside outside the borough or visit on holiday to take part.

“Informal local market research suggests the Parkrun would have overwhelming support from local athletics club members, local fitness enthusiasts and community groups.”

The council said it hoped that if all approvals were granted and funding could be sourced, the Parkrun would be up and running this summer.

Parkrun is free to enter, and participants simply register online through the official website www.parkrun.org.uk

The website states: “The events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and we encourage people of every ability to take part.”