PARKRUN LK: Letterkenny parkrun enjoyed a very successful launch day on Saturday February 6th.
113 runners and walkers plus 4 babies in buggies set off on the 3 lap route around Bernard McGlinchey Town Park and the grounds of St. Conal’s.
Welcoming the latest group to join the parkrun global family Matt Shiels emphasised the parkrun values of participation, fun and open to all regardless of ability.
Representing the HSE (the main sponsor of parkrun in Ireland) Anne McAteer highlighted the contribution of parkrun to the goals of Healthy Ireland.
Graduates of local Couchto5K groups; families on an early morning outing; parents running with buggies; Operation Transformation participants; groups of running buddies – all lined up on completing the course to have their personal barcodes scanned with their place tokens and were later able to view their own personal times on the parkrun website.
As the different groups finished the verdict was that the course was a challenging one but really enjoyable. Visiting “parkrun tourists” from Belfast, Derry and Dublin promised to return to enjoy the beautiful park in summer.
Niall was there from Callaghans XL and people were able to enjoy a post-run coffee – and the rain stayed off!
The large team of volunteers was led by Run Director Margaret O’Donnell with the marshals ensuring the route was followed by all while the timekeepers and barcode scanners “played a blinder” with no errors and amazingly all tokens returned at the finish!! Well done everyone.
We are looking forward to seeing our local walkers and runners returning next week and welcoming new participants. Don’t forget to register and print off your barcode. www.parkrun.ie/letterkenny
The Letterkenny parkrun is supported by Donegal County Council, Donegal Sports partnership and the HSE. The route is a 5 k walk / run and will take place every Saturday morning at 9.30am and it is free! parkrun is a family friendly event (Children must be accompanied by an adult).
Running, taking part in the parkrun is free. To register visit www.parkrun.ie/letterkenny/ You will receive a unique barcode to print off and bring to the local parkrun. You only need ever register once and you can use your barcode at parkrun events anywhere in the world. (So pack those running shoes when jetting off and meet fellow parkrunners in your holiday spot!) On the parkrun website you can track your progress week-to-week.
Remember IT’S NOT A RACE – parkrun is for everyone; fit, unfit; young, old; able bodied or not, ALL are welcome.
Looking forward to event No. 2 on February 13th. We are also looking forward to hosting any Operation Transformation groups who want to participate in the National parkrun OT day on Saturday February 20th.
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