Grace Chambers, at the remarkable age of 97, has rewritten the European Parkrun record books by becoming the continent’s oldest Parkrunner to reach the 250-run milestone. On a bright Saturday morning at Ormeau Park in south Belfast, Grace completed her 250th official 5k Parkrun, an achievement that’s left the local running community—and indeed, sports fans across Europe—buzzing with admiration and awe.
What makes this feat even more extraordinary is Grace’s recent health journey. Just four weeks before her milestone run, she underwent heart surgery—a keyhole valve replacement performed by Dr Jonny Mailey at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital. Most people half her age would be forgiven for taking it easy after such a procedure, but not Grace. She missed just a single week of running during her recovery and returned with her trademark determination. As she crossed the finish line, Grace declared, "I feel glad I've done it as there was always a possibility that I wouldn't but I never look negatively at things, if I set a goal I try to achieve it and if I don't do it the first time I try it again and again and again."
Grace’s Parkrun journey began in 2016, when she was 88 years old. It wasn’t a lifelong calling—far from it. In fact, running was never on her radar until a member of her rehabilitation team, who also volunteered at Ormeau Parkrun, suggested she give it a try. With a gentle nudge from one of her daughters, Grace showed up for her first event and instantly became the talk of the park. “Everyone kept saying: 'This woman in her 80s has turned up thinking she can do a Parkrun.' Well I certainly showed them,” she recalled, laughing.
Within her first year, Grace smashed numerous records for her age category, proving that age really is just a number. She quickly became a fixture at the weekly event, not just for her running prowess but for her infectious enthusiasm and warm spirit. “I just love it, all the people you meet, it's just wonderful—people from all over Northern Ireland come and mix at Parkrun and you wouldn't have had people from all the communities mixing like that when I was growing up,” she said. For Grace, Parkrun is as much about community as it is about fitness.
Even the global pandemic in 2020 couldn’t slow her down. When official Parkruns were suspended, Grace simply continued on her own, recording her times and having her daughter send them in to Parkrun. “I just went down and did it myself anyway,” she explained. “I've probably done a lot more than 250 Parkruns, but the ones during Covid don't count.”
Her resilience was further tested during the pandemic when she suffered a broken leg while out walking. Most would have taken that as a sign to retire their running shoes, but not Grace. After recovering, she bounced right back into the Parkrun routine. These days, she’s assisted around the course by two loyal friends, Cathy and Sue, who have become her steadfast running companions. “I wouldn't be here without them, they take me to the run each week and go round with me.”
Grace’s legend has only grown with time. She now has a bench named in her honor at the Ormeau Park finish line, complete with a plaque that reads: "Grace's Bench, Park runner extraordinaire." On any given Saturday, you’ll find her perched there after the run, posing for photos with fans and well-wishers. The bench has become a local landmark, a symbol of perseverance and community spirit.
Her story has attracted visitors from far and wide, including the Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, who once ran alongside her at Ormeau Park. "Kelly wanted to talk as we were going round the course so I had to say, come on Kelly, you're holding me back," Grace joked, her wit as sharp as ever. The camaraderie and support she receives each week are a testament to the impact she’s had on the Parkrun community.
Grace’s recent surgery could have derailed her plans for the 250th run, but her attitude remained unshaken. "I told the surgeon I was going to test out his work, I've got a new valve, why would I not use it," she quipped. Dr Jonny Mailey, who performed her procedure, was on hand to cheer her on. "She's fantastic and what she has achieved is unbelievable," he said. "It really is testament to her as a person."
The admiration doesn’t stop there. Deirdre McConvey, one of the volunteer run directors at Ormeau Parkrun, described Grace as a "local legend." According to Deirdre, “We've had visitors come specially to meet her, nobody smiles broader than Grace. Her warmth and friendliness has endeared her to all the regulars who love to cheer her over the finish line, especially on her birthday. Her grit and determination are definitely inspiring and sometimes quite humbling.” Belfast South MP Claire Hanna, herself a regular Parkrunner, joined the chorus of congratulations: “Congratulations to the inimitable Grace. What an inspiration she is to so many.”
Yet, for all the accolades and attention, Grace remains humble about her achievements. She doesn’t quite understand the fuss. "So what!" she said. "Many people do much more remarkable things than this, but if it inspires some people to start running then that's great. I just hope I get a good time on Saturday with everyone watching me." Her attitude is a refreshing reminder of what sport is truly about—personal goals, community, and the joy of participation.
Grace’s journey from a complete novice at 88 to a record-breaking Parkrunner at 97 is nothing short of inspiring. She’s broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and brought together a community that spans generations. Her story is a shining example of how sport can transform lives, foster friendships, and create lasting memories—no matter when you start or what obstacles you face.
As the dust settles on her 250th run, one thing is clear: Grace Chambers isn’t finished yet. With the support of her friends, her family, and an ever-growing legion of fans, she’s already looking ahead to the next Saturday morning at Ormeau Park. For Grace, the finish line is just another starting point. And for everyone watching, her story is a rallying cry to lace up, join in, and keep moving—no matter the odds or the age on your birthday cake.
