Waterford public encouraged to participate in Vhi's couch to parkrun programme

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

The programme, beginning on September 1, will see participants receive a training plan supplemented by weekly in-person training with a qualified coach at one of 6 selected parkrun locations nationwide.

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

Anyone interested in participating in the programme can register their interest at yourhappypace.ie. There are up to 50 places available at each of the following parkrun locations, with successful applicants 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 far beyond the obvious physical health benefits. 

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Participants report boosts to their mood immediately after completing parkrun and well beyond, while 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. 

99% of those surveyed believe participation in parkrun improves their mood for the rest of the day, with 99% also saying parkrun makes 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 in partnership with Vhi supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning and 2km junior parkruns every Sunday at 154 events across Ireland, with around 15,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week.

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