Welcome to Ward Park Runners
Ward Park Runners is an all inclusive group welcoming members with a range of abilities from all backgrounds from newly graduated Couch to 5k runners right up to marathon runners! Each session is completed at an individual's own pace - it's your session and we want you to get the best from it.
We aim to promote, foster and encourage running through training, competition and good friendships.
Our aim is to grow the club community, offer a range of training session and encourage communication between members to support each other.
Join us every Monday and Wednesday at 7.10pm (Locations confirmed on Facebook). Non members are very welcome and can pay as you train for just £2 payable on the evening
Meet the Coaches
Brian
Joint Head Coach
Brian coaches everyone from Couch-to-5km beginners, right through to Marathon runners.
Arthur
Joint Head Coach
Coach Arthur was also Club Chair' for 2022/23. His organisation skills extend far beyond the stopwatch and he makes sure everything/one is running smoothly.
Tim
Senior Coach
Tim started running back in 2018, as a means of increasing his fitness and to help him unwind. Needless to say he caught the 'running bug' and now describes his happy place as "on the trails".
Mary
Coach
Distance runner, Mary is a record-breaker. Claiming the Irish titles in both the Half Marathon and Marathon distances, before going on to become F60 World Marathon Champion, winning gold in the fall of 2024.
Chris
Coach
Chris has a history of coaching, dating back to when he used to coach young footballers in the Bangor area. It was a clear fit that Chris use those skills to help other runners develop his passion for running.
Oran
Coach
Fitness fan Oran took up running in 2016 as a means of de-stressing and spending less time behind a desk. Now a qualified LIRF, he aims to share his passion for running with others. Oran also has a Level 2 Qualification in Gym Instructing.
Irene
Coach
Kevin
Coach
Kevin switched to running several years ago after previously playing football and cycling. He enjoys running for fitness and wellbeing, particularly trail running and 10k distance events. Each year Kevin aims to PB in all 5km, 10km and Half Marathon distances.
Joyce
Coach
David
Coach
David started running in 2018, just after his 65th birthday! He is proof that it is never too late to start running. David joined WPR in 2019 and became a coach in 2022.
Dawn
Coach
Elaine
Coach
Paul F.
Coach
Distance runner Paul, loves nothing more than clocking-up the long training miles at weekends, as he's never too far from his next marathon adventure.
Mark
Coach
Mark took up running in 2016 by doing the Couch-to-5km programme and he has enjoyed it ever since. Marked qualified as a LiRF in the Spring of 2023.
John
Coach
John became interested in running after his wife completed the Couch-to-5km programme in Bangor and persuaded him to try it as a recent retiree. John took to running immediately and since progressed to coaching.
Paul M.
Coach
Ivan
Coach / Club Founder
Club founder, 'Big' Ivan is well known, as he's been involved in the local running scene for well over a decade. His passion to get people running started with Couch-to-5k, but he now mentors all levels. His moto: 'run for fun!'