The two parkrun events in Galway — Knocknacarra and Oranmore, are coming together tonight (Thursday Feb 2 ) to raise vital funds for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED ) — the portable medical device often found outside shopping centres and sports grounds, that along with CPR can increase the chance of a survival from a cardiac incident by 90 per cent.
“On a Saturday we have over 400 people running and walking at the events in Knocknacarra and Oranmore,” said Rob Partridge, Event Director for Knocknacarra parkrun, “and it’s only a matter of time before this piece of equipment is needed.
”Knockncarra parkrun came to Galway in May 2014 and has proved a huge success. Rob Partridge, Debbie Corcoran and Maureen Devaney worked hard, from initial contact with parkrun Ireland to the start of the first event, to bring this free weekly timed 5km event to Galway in conjunction with support from the HSE, Galway city council and the Local Sports Partnership.
Since then the numbers attending each week has increased as has the level of community interaction. “We’ve seen the various athletics clubs around the county join us and go on to volunteer with us,” said Debbie Corcoran. In August of 2016 parkrun arrived in Oranmore and regularly sees 250-300 people run and walk around the park at 9.30am every Saturday.
Having gained invaluable experience setting up Knocknacarra parkrun Maureen Devaney was ideally suited to take the lead and become Event Director for Oranmore.
“It’s incredible to see so many people turn up each week from our sporty runners to our very welcome and regular walkers to the first timers who come and see what it’s all about,” she said adding that the fund raising starts tonight February 2 with a table quiz and raffle at 8pm in Crowe’s Bar.
Run Galway Bay have donated two entry tickets for their event and there are many other amazing prizes being donated.
Entry is €10 per person with four people per team. “Crowe’s have been really helpful in organising this and are even putting on some food for us!” said Rob Partridge.
“The support we’re getting is very much appreciated and every cent will go towards buying an AED for each event.” If you’re up for the challenge of a table quiz and think you’ve got what it takes to take home the top prize why not pop along tonight Thursday February 2 at 8pm in Crowe’s Bar, and have some fun while also potentially helping to save a life. For more information see Facebook.com/knocknacarraparkrun
