merrion street

On Saturday morning (April 7th), participants at parks and open spaces across the country will mark Ireland's one millionth parkrun. Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs that are open and accessible to everyone. One of the flagship initiatives supported by Healthy Ireland, Parkrun Ireland began in November 2012 and is part of a global movement that spans 20 countries.

Minister of State for Health Promotion, Catherine Byrne will mark the occasion at a special event at one of Ireland's newest parkrun venues in Brickfields in Drimnagh.

The Minister commented,

“Reaching the one millionth milestone is fantastic achievement for all involved across the island and I am delighted to congratulate the people who have made this happen. The local and community spirit of volunteering is visibly alive."
"Promoting physical activity and getting people out and about across the country is a step that is crucial in creating a healthier Ireland and the parkrun initiative allows people of all abilities get involved. The benefits of accessible, enjoyable and sociable physical activity can lead not only to improved physical health but also to better mental health and general wellbeing. I look forward to seeing people across the country get out this Saturday morning for a run or a walk. Let's keep moving towards a healthier Ireland”

Parkrun Ireland Country Manager Matt Shields said:

“Our global mission is to help create a healthier and happier planet, which complements the National Physical Activity Plan for an active, healthy population in Ireland. The milestone of one million parkruns is a great contribution to this vision and involves people of all ages and abilities."
“We have lots of new initiatives coming that will help us to engage even more with underrepresented groups, who often have the most to gain from regular physical activity and volunteering, I look forward to the next million parkruns and the contribution we can make to a healthy Ireland."

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