Thousands of runners across Ireland swapped a lazy Christmas morning for a festive 5k dash, setting new participation records at special Christmas Day parkrun events.
Record-Breaking Turnout in Belfast and Lisburn
The most dramatic surge was seen at Stormont Estate in east Belfast, where the event shattered its previous record. A remarkable 1,152 participants took part, easily surpassing last year's high of 790 and breaking the 1,000-runner barrier for the very first time.
Further south in Lisburn, Co Antrim, Wallace Park also witnessed a bumper crowd. 713 runners packed the course, beating the previous Christmas Day attendance record by nearly 100 people.
A Festive Tradition Takes Root
The atmosphere was one of pure celebration rather than competition. Runners sported Santa hats and an array of festive costumes, while supporters cheered and festive music played. The parkrun, normally a Saturday morning fixture, is a free, timed 5k event entirely organised by volunteers.
Race director Marianne Hood declared that Stormont was fast becoming the Christmas morning destination. "I think it’s now becoming a tradition," she said, highlighting the incredible atmosphere and the fact that participants were more focused on fun than their finish times.
Community Spirit at the Heart of the Event
Run directors at both locations emphasised the powerful sense of community that draws people out on Christmas Day. Jonathan Davis, run director at Wallace Park, noted the queues to finish and said the event brings people together "in a way that very few other things can do."
Among those enjoying the unique start to the day was Irish former Olympic rower Eugene Coakley. He summed up the mood, stating there was "nowhere better you’d want to be than in Stormont park having a parkrun" after a morning of opening presents.
The events, powered by dedicated volunteers, underscore a growing trend of combining festive celebration with active, community-focused pursuits, creating new holiday traditions for families and friends across Ireland.
