Carrick gears up for first parkrun

Local runners will put their best foot forward at the 5k time-trial which gets under way at the Amphitheatre Wellness Centre from 9:30 am.

The neighbouring borough of Larne hosted its first parkrun last autumn and it is testament to the growing popularity of the sport in East Antrim that Carrick is now set to follow suit. Parkrun has proved popular at 15 other venues across Northern Ireland, and is open to runners of all abilities.

Locally, it’s good news for athletic clubs such as Seapark and the recently-formed Barn Runners.

“This will not only put Carrickfergus on the map but it will also further promote running in the area,” a spokesperson for Barn Runners said. “We will certainly do our best to support this event, which has proved to be a huge success in other towns.

“Barn Runners only formed last year and provides another option for those wishing to run in a group for beginners or improvers. The town has a variety of options with clubs and societies and this new parkrun is yet another enhancement to the sport and leisure facilities in the area.”

The event is free, but those wishing to take part need to register with the parkrun website to obtain a barcode to get a time for their run.

The course starts at the Ampitheatre, leading to the park at the rear and out towards Shafstbury Park. The 3.1-mile event finishes adjacent to the footbridge at the astroturf pitch beside the leisure centre.