Downpatrick parkrun can boost local retailers

Downpatrick parkrun can boost local retailers

15 December 2021

PLANS for Downpatrick’s first ever parkrun will provide the town with a real boost, according to two local politicians.

Details of the event are currently being finalised with Dunleath Park lined up to host the event which is being supported by Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

While no date has yet been confirmed, it is hoped that the parkrun will take place next year after the local authority agreed to provide financial support to the organisers.

It is understood that the exact level of local authority support is currently being finalised and it’s hoped that once the date of the 5K event and the venue have been formally confirmed, the parkrun will become a regular event for runners of all abilities.

Downpatrick Town Committee is behind the ambitious plan, which it believes will bring the local community closer together and may encourage people who have never run before to get out and enjoy themselves in an event where there is no time limit and no one finishes last.

Local councillors Oonagh Hanlon and Cathy Mason are also delighted that Downpatrick is to host its first parkrun.

Cllr Hanlon described the parkrun as a “welcome addition” to events in the town.

“We already have an active running community locally and the addition of parkrun events will help encourage people all abilities to get involved,” she said. “This will help build a healthier and stronger community in South Down.”

Cllr Mason welcomed the progress on bringing a parkrun to Downpatrick.

“A parkrun would be extremely positive for Downpatrick, attracting thousands of people into the area, benefiting our local businesses and stimulating economic growth,” she said.

“Parkrun events have been hugely successful across the world and has helped build a real sense of inclusivity within communities, contributing to their mental health and well being.” 

Parkruns have become popular with runners and walkers alike across the country and keen participants in the Downpatrick area have been planning the establishment of a similar event for many months, with financial support from the local authority helping propel the proposal towards fruition.

Organisers say the parkrun will bring people from outside the area into Downpatrick spending money in shops and cafes and boosting the local economy.

News of the parkrun comes after recent confirmation that major investment is planned for Dunleath Park.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council is planning to create a series of new facilities, including a dedicated running track, while also in the pipeline are a cycling pump track, skateboarding track, improved planting and a new play park.

In addition, soccer and GAA pitches are in line for an upgrade as part of the plan to transform Dunleath Park into a sporting and recreational hub.

It’s understood that the area earmarked for the proposed pump track, skateboard track and play park sit outside the park’s floodplain and will enable the local authority to move faster in putting a business case together and progress towards securing capital funding. 

The need for new 3G or 4G pitches — which can be used all year round — at Dunleath Park also been highlighted with council officials asked to investigate the potential for this particular investment to happen.