parkrun, the community initiative that brings 8,000 runners into parks around the country each Saturday, is back for 2022 and hoping for an uninterrupted run of gatherings.

Broadcaster Lottie Ryan and former Olympian and sports commentator David Gillick today launched a new Start with… parkrun campaign in partnership with Vhi, at St. Anne’s Park, Dublin yesterday.

The campaign is aimed at anyone thinking about taking their first steps towards being more active and explains how they can include parkrun community events into their weekend routine.

parkrun, in partnership with Vhi, takes place each Saturday in more than 100 locations across the country and are free to take part in. In Ireland, more than 8,000 people take part in these events every weekend, as walkers, joggers, runners and volunteers. The events are open to everyone no matter their fitness level and this year Park Walk has been launched as part of the weekly events.

Participants only need to register once on the parkrun website, bring their personal barcode which records their activity, and then turn up at any event.

To add extra support for this campaign Vhi parkrun Rewards are also giving double points throughout the month of January. Vhi customers who take part in any parkrun, including volunteering, can claim a bonus parkrun reward on the Vhi app after each parkrun in January.

“I am delighted to be involved in this initiative,” said Ryan. “Over the past two years it’s been tricky to keep up any sort of routine between lockdowns, work and becoming a Mom. The New Year is always a good time to start afresh, and parkrun is a great opportunity to get up and out of the house on a Saturday morning and do something healthy for myself.”

“It can be hard to get back into a routine after the Christmas break and parkrun is a great way to get back to physical activity with a supportive community by your side every step of the way,” added Gillick.

“What’s so great about parkrun is that it is so inclusive with Junior parkrun events happening each weekend and the newly launched Park Walk , which means people of all fitness abilities and ages can get involved.”

“It’s great to see parkrun back in action after a long break, Said Head of Corporate Communications at Vhi, Brighid Smyth.

“At Vhi we are committed to helping our customers and communities live longer, stronger, healthier lives and our partnership with parkrun helps us deliver this.”

“There is no other movement like parkrun in Ireland and Vhi is very proud to be presenting partner, supporting this wonderful initiative encouraging people of all levels and abilities to take part in free events in a fun and positive environment.”

Sport for Business Perspective

Community fitness is an increasingly crowded space but that is a good thing, moving us away from the more solitary competition against ourselves in a battle with the Fitbit. Introducing a walking element adds to the appeal towards all of the community and it will be great to see the parkrunners coming over the horizon in local parks again.

 

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