If your not sure what to ask Santa for why not ask for something that lets you see and be seen. Running lights provide great light ahead to see where you are running and have red lights at the back so you can be seen. A good running light will last for years and is only a fraction of the cost of a pair of running shoes. Here’s what to look for…

Recognising the importance of mental health in these difficult times, Action Mental Health in conjunction with Athletics NI / Run NI are holding a virtual “mental Elf” 5k and 1k race on 11 December 2020. Find out more and sign up for the mental Elf run.

It’s been a busy week for Ballymena Runners. Ballymena Belles raised over £1000 for Women’s Aid. Gemma Moore completed a 50miler in aid of Love, Hope and Faith. Meanwhile its been a record week for members completing the (not)Parkrun and setting new PB’s.

Want to run faster? Some tempo training will certainly help. We have put together a 4 week tempo programme for club members. It’s got everything you need to know to do a tempo session.

Unfortunately, with the ongoing Covid restrictions, many charities are finding that their traditional fundraising activities are suspended. However, Ballymena Runners is delighted to be able to help the NI Hospice and the Children’s Hospice to support their vital services at this time.

Normally we lead a few weeks of hill training on Wednesdays in November and December. We have put together a 4 week programme for club members. It’s got the who, what, when, where and how for a hill training session. Remember - hills are your friends.

Ballymena Runners have taken the decision to postpone our annual Race over the Glens due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Ballymena Runners continue to excel in the mountains. With the Mourne Skyline event cancelled this year three of our runners completed the virtual Mourne Skyline event on 17 October. Find out who and see the video of one of the runs.

We reported previously Jack McKenna’s Lake District fell run (the Bob Graham Round) in September when he completed 66 miles and 27,000 feet of climbing in under 24 hours. We now have his full story and pictures of this exceptional challenge.

If you are missing your Parkrun fix why not run, walk, jog 5k and record it as a (not) Parkrun - a special initiative helping keep the spirit of Parkrun alive while the actual Saturday morning runs are suspended.