David Gillick and VHI call for participants in free couch to parkrun programme

Vhi’s award-winning More than Running series is back with the launch of ‘Your Happy Pace’, a new campaign that makes it easier for newcomers to try parkrun for the first time and experience the benefits for themselves via a free, six-week couch to parkrun programme.

Beginning on September 1, participants will receive training plans supplemented by weekly in-person training with a qualified coach at one of six parkrun locations.

Further motivation and support will be provided to those who sign up through webinars, as well as tailored WhatsApp groups for each location.

From today, anyone interested in participating in the programme can register at yourhappypace.ie. There are up to 50 places available at each of the following parkrun locations. Successful applicants will be notified in advance.

Poolbeg parkrun, Dublin

UCG parkrun, Galway

Ballincollig parkrun, Cork

Mungret parkrun, Limerick

Kilkenny parkrun, Castle Park, Kilkenny

Letterkenny parkrun, Donegal

Vhi’s recent survey of the parkrun community illustrates that participation has positive impacts beyond the physical health benefits. Participants report boosts to their mood immediately after completing parkruns and well beyond, and the survey also provides strong evidence that parkrun helps participants build strong social connections, something increasingly important in a society where loneliness is on the rise.

Almost all of those surveyed (99%) believe participation in parkruns improves their mood for the rest of the day, and 99% also say parkruns make them feel more socially connected to others.

The survey results also showed that:

• 9 in 10 say parkrun participation is likely to have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing the following week.

• 2 in 3 have made friends or social connections at parkrun that extend beyond the event itself.

• 9 in 10 say parkrun participation has improved their overall happiness.

• More than 8 in 10 say parkrun participation makes them feel more connected to their local community.

• 69% say parkrun participation has reduced their feelings of loneliness or isolation.

• When asked what it was about parkrun that makes participants happy, 43% said it was physically taking part, 38% believed it was being out in nature and fresh air, and 27% said it was the opportunity it provided to socialise with others.

parkrun is the biggest community-led physical activity movement in Ireland and since it began, it has welcomed 503,000 registered participants and recorded more than 613,000 instances of volunteering.

Brighid Smyth, head of Corporate Communications at Vhi, said: “As presenting partner of parkrun, Vhi is committed to helping people live longer, stronger, healthier lives.

“We know that participating in parkruns makes people happy and the results of our recent survey underline that. We want as many people as possible to experience the benefits of parkruns, which is why we have created this free couch to parkrun programme, where 300 individuals in six counties will participate in a six-week programme to build their fitness and feel first-hand the joy of being part of the parkrun community."

With spaces limited, Brighid is encouraging anyone who would like to be involved to register their interest as soon as possible at yourhappypace.ie

Vhi ambassador David Gillick said it was no surprise to him that the survey of parkrun participants shows the levels of happiness it brings them. “Whether you walk, jog, run or volunteer, participating on a Saturday or Sunday morning offers the perfect combination of physical exercise and social connection. That’s why I’m looking forward to Vhi’s new couch to parkrun programme as it helps to remove barriers and offers an opportunity for people across Ireland to give parkruns a try.

“If you’re interested, don’t delay! Apply today at yourhappypace.ie and I will hopefully see you at one of the parkrun locations during the programme!”