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Sporting legend Dame Kelly Holmes stars in a brand new documentary tonight, focused on the power of running to have a positive impact on mental health.

With more parkruns per head than anywhere else in the UK, Northern Ireland has a growing population of runners.

As well as joining the event in Belfast's Ormeau Park , the double Olympic gold medallist leads the charge to launch a weekly 5k in Strabane , one of the most deprived parts of Northern Ireland.

Parkrun veteran Dame Kelly says regular running can have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing.

"I’m an ex-international athlete and I’ve been retired a long time, but I now use fitness – and running – as a way of feeling good about myself," she said.

"In the past I’ve suffered with depression, anxiety and self-harm. We all go through ups and downs in life – so many people struggle, probably more than we actually realise.

“I believe running and fitness is a tool to combat those problems. For me parkrun is all about mental fitness, physical health and well-being. Making this programme has given me the opportunity to meet so many fantastic people, who perhaps had a lack of confidence or motivation, and I got to be part of their journey.”

In the BBC film, Dame Kelly meets Matt Shields, manager of parkrun Ireland, who is working to assemble a team of volunteers to run an event in Strabane, and find a venue in a town that has no park and little green space.

With the inaugural parkrun fast approaching, Dame Kelly visits Strabane to coach and motivate two local runners, Declan Thompson, 48, and Joanne Nash, 34, who are preparing for their first run.

Will some expert coaching from Dame Kelly inspire Declan and Joanne to cross the finish line and kick start their own fitness journey? And will Matt find a venue for Strabane’s first parkrun?

Dame Kelly: The Power Of Parkrun – Our Lives is a Below The Radar production and will be on BBC One tonight at 7.30pm.

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