Portadown Dad Striding High On Father’s Day 2021

Local Portadown dad, Stephen Turner went from zero to running hero last Sunday after successfully completing Council’s Virtual ABC 10K run at Craigavon Lakes – with cheers of joy from his eight-year-old daughter at the finish line!

Taking place from Saturday 19 June to this Sunday 27 June, council’s virtual event is calling on runners of all abilities to lace up their trainers and complete a 10K run using a safe and suitable route of their choice.

For Stephen – who is one of over 300 local runners participating in the free event – this run is the culmination of a 10-week training programme, which supports runners to transition from 5K to 10K.

No stranger to us at ABC Council, Stephen joined our virtual Couch 2 5K Programme back in January and after eight weeks of training completed his graduation run with flying colours in March. However, the Portadown father didn’t hang up the trainers that quickly, and soon set himself a new challenge, joining our virtual 5K-10K Programme in April.

“I really enjoyed both the Virtual Couch 2 5K and 5K-10K Programmes,” commented Stephen.

He continued: “I feel I have actually achieved something worthwhile to remember during this exceptional pandemic period. Before I started the Programmes I couldn’t run 1K and now I feel much fitter, healthier and a bit lighter too!”

“My daughter surprised me at the end of my first 10K on Sunday with a poster and teddy outside South Lake Leisure Centre! This was a very special moment I will always remember with it also being Father’s Day.”

Marking the end of Men’s Health Week and Father’s Day in no better fashion, Stephen completed two loops of the beautiful Craigavon Lakes on Sunday 20 June to achieve his 10K challenge, supported and encouraged by his family along the way.

Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Virtual ABC 10K Run is being supported by Armagh Athletics Club and Banbridge Athletics Club.

If Stephen has inspired you to get moving, council will be organising a series of Couch 2 5K Programmes over the summer months as part of the Get Moving ABC initiative. Keep an eye on our social media pages and website for further details.

To find out more about running development programmes across the ABC Council area, contact Amanda Mogey, Assistant Sports Development Officer at .