Parkrun is a collection of free, weekly 5 km events for walkers, runners, and volunteers held every Saturday morning at over 2,000 locations in 22 countries across six continents.
On 16/8, Chambers completed the 5 km course at Ormeau Park in Belfast, Northern Ireland, becoming the oldest female runner in Europe to surpass the 250-run mark.
 |
Grace Chambers (center) at the starting line with her daughter Shireen and friend Cathy. Photo: BBC |
Grace Chambers (center) at the starting line with her daughter Shireen and friend Cathy. Photo: BBC
Chambers finished the run in 51 minutes, just four weeks after undergoing heart valve replacement surgery. "I told the doctor I would see if the operation was successful. I have a new heart valve, why not use it?", she told the BBC.
Chambers began participating in parkrun in 2016, at the age of 88, after a long period of playing golf and hiking. In her first year, she completed a 5 km run in 38 minutes and 9 seconds. At 97, in addition to the 250-run milestone, she has maintained an impressive pace: earlier in 2025, she completed a run in under 48 minutes.
She mentioned that she has actually participated in more than 250 runs, but those during the Covid-19 pandemic were not counted. "I always stay positive. If I set a goal, I will try to achieve it. If I don't succeed, I'll try again," she said.
The 97-year-old’s perseverance and optimism have inspired many. A bench in Ormeau Park has been named after her. "The best thing is that you meet so many people. People from all over Northern Ireland come here to participate in parkrun," Chambers shared.
At this special run, Jonny Mailey, a cardiologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital who also operated on Chambers, was present. "She is amazing, what she has achieved is incredible," he said.
Studies show that regular running reduces the risk of death from cardiovascular disease by up to 45% and increases average life expectancy by three years. This is why Grace's story not only inspires older adults but also reminds younger generations of the value of daily exercise.
Hong Duy (via Marca)
