'Ballymena Belles' ladies only 5k race supports Pretty 'n' Pink Breast Cancer Charity

There has been a buzz surrounding the race this year with online entries already filling up extremely quickly! Starting just outside Galgorm village, 12 April 2016 will see up to 300 ladies take on the undulating course. Due to the distance only being 5 miles it is a course that should appeal to both the competitive runner and those wanting to have some fun. Weather presenter Cecilia Daly will be running the race as well as being the official starter for the event! Race organiser and ladies club captain, Ruth Aiken,  said ‘I am so excited to be organising the Belles race this year. This is an opportunity for ladies to come together, have fun and support our chosen charity, Pretty’n’Pink. I see this as a local event that can bring the community together and am delighted with the support we have already received to date!’ Local businesses have been quick to offer support in various ways.

A massive boost to the race has been securing a deal with Skechers. Skechers have promised tote bags filled with goodies for every entrant along with spot prizes and many more surprises to come!

In addition to Sketchers, other major local sponsors have also been secured.  Woodsides Chemist, who already have strong links to Ballymena runners as their owner, Ben Morrow, is male vice-captain. They have been faithful supporters of the race in previous years and were keen to become involved again this year.  Trust Ford already support a cancer charity and were delighted to be approached about being involved. They have made a generous financial donation towards race costs. Look out for their cars along the route!

Local businesses in the Galgorm area continue to come on board and to date the race has had further financial support and spot prizes from Galgorm Dental, Galgorm Dental and Steele Physio!

This year’s chosen charity is local breast cancer charity Pretty ‘n’ Pink.  Speaking on behalf of the organisation Noeleen Lynn said “we’re really delighted to have been selected as the nominated charity of this year’s ‘Ballymena Belles’ and look forward to race day.  The partnership will help us make a difference to the lives of breast cancer patients and their families here in Northern Ireland and we are very grateful to Ballymena Runners, race sponsors, and all involved for this opportunity.”  With an amount from every entry fee being donated to the charity the race will help raise money for the Pretty ‘n’ Pink Support Fund which provides practical financial help to breast cancer patients in Northern Ireland.  Participants are also encouraged to raise sponsorship money for the charity and can make arrangements to do so by telephoning the charity on 02890 517043, emailing [email protected], or by visiting the website at www.prettynpink.org.

The race will start at 7pm, 12 April 2016. Entries are filling quickly so anyone interested is encouraged to enter online as soon as possible at www.athleticsni.org.