97-Year-Old Grace Chambers Shatters European Parkrun Record with 250th Event

Grace Chambers, aged 97, has set a new benchmark in the Parkrun community by becoming the oldest European to complete 250 Parkrun events. Her latest achievement took place at Ormeau Park in south Belfast, where she completed a 5k run just four weeks after undergoing heart surgery.

Grace's journey with Parkrun began in 2016, encouraged by a staff member from her rehabilitation team and her daughter. Despite her age and recent surgery, Grace's spirit remains unbroken. "I feel glad I've done it as there was always a possibility that I wouldn't but I never look negatively at things," Grace shared after her run.

Her participation has not only been about personal achievement but also about community and breaking barriers. Grace loves the social aspect of Parkrun, stating, "All the people you meet, it's just wonderful - people from all over Northern Ireland come and mix at Parkrun."

Even the COVID-19 pandemic didn't slow her down. Grace continued her runs independently when Parkruns were suspended, recording her times and having her daughter send them to Parkrun later. Her resilience was further tested when she broke her leg during the pandemic, yet she bounced back to participate in Parkruns after recovery.

Grace is now a celebrated figure at Ormeau Parkrun, with a bench named in her honor at the finish line. She regularly sits there post-run, engaging with fans and posing for photos. Her influence extends beyond local boundaries, attracting visitors and even Olympians like Dame Kelly Holmes, who ran alongside her.

Dr. Jonny Mailey, who performed Grace's recent heart surgery, praised her determination, "She's fantastic and what she has achieved is unbelievable." Grace's story is a testament to her enduring spirit and an inspiration to many, proving that age is just a number when it comes to achieving one's goals.