Gordon Lyons Joins 5K Run at Mary Peters Track to Inspire Activity

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons participated in a 5K run at the Mary Peters Track in Belfast, marking his first visit to the iconic venue. The event, held on a rainy Wednesday afternoon, aimed to promote the campaign “Move More, Live Better.” More than a dozen runners joined Mr. Lyons to encourage public engagement in physical activity.

The run was organized by the Mary Peters Trust, providing Mr. Lyons the opportunity to experience the track while advocating for increased activity levels among the community. He completed the 5K by running around the track 12 and a half times, joined by Richard Archibald, the Interim CEO of Sport Northern Ireland.

During an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Mr. Lyons expressed his enthusiasm for the event. He stated, “It is a great way to encourage people to get more active. This is for a serious purpose. Especially in Northern Ireland, those issues can be resolved by people getting more active, and this is what we are trying to do through this campaign: Move More, Live Better.”

Emphasizing the importance of sports in Northern Ireland, Mr. Lyons highlighted the pride the region feels for its athletes, particularly in light of the recent successes of local Olympians. He noted, “We have so much to be proud of in Northern Ireland in terms of our sports stars. I want to encourage the next generation and get the wider population more active.”

The “Move More, Live Better” campaign, championed by Mr. Lyons, aims to improve public health through increased physical activity. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by local organizations to foster a culture of fitness and well-being across Northern Ireland.

As the rain fell, participants in the 5K run shared a sense of camaraderie and determination. The event served not only as a platform for promoting health but also as a reminder of the community’s commitment to supporting future generations in sports and physical activity.

By engaging with local clubs and encouraging participation in sports, Mr. Lyons hopes to inspire a more active lifestyle among residents. The event at Mary Peters Track stands as a testament to the potential impact of community initiatives in promoting health and fitness.