The weekly parkrun event held in Castlebar at Lough Lannagh, will celebrate its first anniversary tomorrow Saturday, March 7. The event organisers are hosting a party in Castlebar Tennis Club afterwards to mark the occasion.
Parkrun organises free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, safe and easy to take part in. These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and encourage people of every ability, from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians, from juniors to those with more experience.
Castlebar parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9:30am from Castlebar Tennis club. It is not a race against other runners, but a recreational 5k timed run and it can be whatever you want it to be, whether that is for fun or as part of a training plan. Over the past year, it has seen some 2,700 runs take place, covering 13,500km. Almost 1,000 people are registered with Castlebar parkrun.
Parkrun offers an opportunity for all, male or female, young or old, to get together on a regular basis to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lough Lannagh and get physically active into the bargain. Over the coming year the organisers are hoping to build on what they have achieved so far and want to encourage people to walk, jog, or run together irrespective of their ability – this event is truly open to all, and best of all it is free. Every week the group grab a post parkrun coffee, this encourages a social aspect where all can relax and enjoy their achievements together.
Castlebar parkrun thanks the event sponsors, the Mayo Sports Partnership, HSE West, Mayo Mental Health, Mayo County Council, and all the volunteers who help make this weekly event happen. All parkruns are managed by dedicated volunteers who are vital to the success of the scheme, but more help is always needed. If you are interested in volunteering contact the organisers at [email protected].
Ballina and Westport also host parkruns every Saturday morning, which makes up a total of three locations within the county. Outside Dublin and Belfast, Mayo has the highest number of sites from a countrywide total of 27 locations where parkrun takes place. To find out more about parkrun go to www.parkrun.ie
