Clare people urged to volunteer at their local parkrun

BUSINESSWOMAN Aimee Connolly, Olympian David Gillick and Vhi Clinical Psychologist Dr Lydia Mackeogh have launched Vhi’s More Than Running parkrun campaign.

Building on the award-winning More than Running campaign from last year, which showcased the various health benefits that participating in parkrun can bring walkers, joggers and runners, Vhi are this year calling on people in Clare and across the country to volunteer at their local parkrun, not only for the benefit of participants, but for their own health and wellbeing too.

A recent Vhi survey of parkrun participants centred on volunteering habits and benefits. Nine out of ten people surveyed said they would recommend volunteering at parkrun to friends and family, a ringing endorsement that is reflected in the improvements respondents say they have noticed to their overall wellbeing.

Vhi is encouraging people in Limerick to experience those wellbeing benefits for themselves, by volunteering at one of the four parkruns currently active in the Banner county.

• Lees Road, Ennis
• Illaunmanagh, Tullyvarraga, Shannon
• Clarisford Park, Killaloe
• Vandeleur Walled garden, Kilrush

Matt Shields, parkrun Ireland Country Manager commented: “The parkrun community is fuelled by our volunteer network, without which we couldn’t put on events up and down the country, week in, week out.  They deserve incredible recognition and we’re very pleased to see in this Vhi survey that they believe they get as much out of volunteering as they put in.”

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Dr Lydia Mackeogh, National Clinical Psychology Lead, Vhi said: “At Vhi, our aim is to help our members live longer, stronger, healthier lives. To achieve this it’s vital to look after your mental wellbeing, as well as the physical. A sense of belonging and of feeling connected to others, cannot be underestimated in this regard, and the feedback from the parkrun community illustrates these benefits.” 

Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly said: “I’m proud to be a Vhi ambassador and to be involved in this year’s’ More than Running’ campaign. I’m a huge fan of parkrun, but my experience to date has been as a runner so I can’t wait to put on a high-vis vest and experience it as a volunteer!” 

Vhi ambassador David Gillick added: “From parkrun to the Olympics, no event works without a dedicated team of volunteers in place. I’ve been to parkruns up and down the country and at every single event I’ve met incredible people devoting their Saturday or Sunday morning to ensuring a great experience for participants. The wellbeing benefits outlined in Vhi’s survey happily show that volunteers get a great deal out of it too, and I’d encourage people to get in touch with their local parkrun and experience those benefits for themselves.” 

Parkrun in partnership with Vhi supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning and 2km junior parkruns every Sunday at 140 venues all over Ireland.

The events are organised by volunteers every weekend. To register for a parkrun near you visit parkrun.ie.

New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.