Thousands of people across Ireland kicked off their Christmas morning in energetic fashion, setting new participation records at festive parkrun events. The popular free, timed 5k runs, usually a Saturday staple, became a major Christmas Day attraction, drawing crowds far larger than their weekly averages.
Stormont Becomes Festive Destination
The parkrun at Stormont in east Belfast was the epicentre of the Christmas running boom. A staggering 1,152 participants took part, smashing the previous year's record of 790 and marking the first time the event has surpassed the 1,000-runner milestone. The estate was filled with festive music and cheers, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Race director Marianne Hood observed that the event is fast becoming a cherished Christmas tradition. "I think it’s now becoming a tradition," she said. Hood noted that word-of-mouth from last year's successful event drove this year's record numbers, and highlighted the inclusive, fun-focused spirit where personal times were secondary to the festive craic.
Community Spirit Shines in Lisburn
The festive record-breaking was not confined to Belfast. At Wallace Park in Lisburn, 713 runners packed the course, beating their previous Christmas Day attendance record by nearly 100 people. Run director Jonathan Davis spoke powerfully about the unique community bond fostered by the event, especially on a morning like Christmas.
"This is such a massive community event. People wouldn’t turn up here if they didn’t want to, particularly on Christmas morning," Davis explained. He emphasised that the event brings people together in a rare and special way, crediting a dedicated team of volunteers who have supported the run since it began in 2013.
Olympian Joins the Festive Fun
The appeal of the Christmas Day parkrun was broad, attracting participants from all walks of life, including former Irish Olympic rower Eugene Coakley. After a morning of opening presents, Coakley joined the throng at Stormont, calling the experience "brilliant."
He captured the mood perfectly, stating: "Christmas morning and 1,000 people, I believe, are here – there’s nowhere better you’d want to be than in Stormont park having a parkrun." His participation underscored the event's draw as a healthy, social, and joyous start to the day's celebrations.
The overwhelming success of these events cements the Christmas Day parkrun as a major seasonal highlight across Ireland. It demonstrates a growing appetite for active, community-focused traditions that bring friends and families together in celebration and healthy exercise.
