Olympian David Gillick and broadcaster Fionnuala Jones today launched the Vhi Couch to parkrun, a free six-week programme designed to help parkrun beginners find their happy pace.
The programme, which begins on Monday 7th September, will see participants encouraged to attend their local parkrun for six consecutive weekends to build their fitness and confidence.
Each registered participant will be provided with a weekly training plan, nutritious recipes and guidance from Vhi team of clinicians to help them on their way.
To register visit couchtoparkrun.ie Registration closes at midnight on 6th September.
The programme will run in over 50 parkruns nationwide, and a full list of participating locations can be found at couchtoparkrun.ie
Registered participants who attend all six parkruns during the programme and scan a QR code on-site will be entered into a competition to win a two-night hotel break.
Research from Vhi and parkrun has consistently highlighted the positive physical and mental health benefits of parkrun participation and volunteering, as well as the strong social connections that participants develop through attendance.
- 9/10 parkrunners say it has a positive impact on their mental health for the week afterwards*
- 99% feel more socially connected to others through parkrun participation*
- 92% of parkrun participants reported an improved sense of achievement after taking part**
- 87% of parkrun participants reported increased happiness**
- 71% of parkrun participants reported improved confidence**
- 93% of parkrun volunteers say their health and wellbeing has improved through volunteering at parkrun*
The Vhi Couch to parkrun roadshow will be visiting a different participating parkrun location each Saturday morning of the six-week programme, bringing fun, games and treats to the parkrun community. One of the Vhi Couch to parkrun ambassadors, Olympian David Gillick and broadcaster Fionnuala Jones, will be joining parkrun participants at each location so be sure to say hello! The locations are as follows:
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- Fairview parkrun, Dublin – 12th September
- Lees Road parkrun, Clare – 19th September
- Wexford Racecourse parkrun, Wexford – 26th September
- Mullingar parkrun, Westmeath – 3rd October
- Clonmel parkrun, Tipperary – 10th October
- Corkagh parkrun, Dublin – 17th October
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 164 events across Ireland, with around 16,000 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 561,000 registered participants and recorded more than 700,000 instances of volunteering.
Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Affairs and CEO Office, Vhi said: “As the presenting partner of parkrun, Vhi is committed to helping people live longer, stronger, healthier lives. We firmly believe in the benefits of parkrun to participants’ physical and mental health, and we want as many people as possible to experience these benefits.
“That’s why we have created the free Vhi Couch to parkrun programme, to help people around the country to build their fitness and become part of the wonderful and welcoming parkrun community over a six-week period. All registered participants will receive weekly training plans, nutritious recipes and advice from Vhi experts and we strongly encourage anyone who would like to take part to register on couchtoparkrun.ie by midnight on 6th September.”
Vhi ambassador David Gillick said: “As a Vhi ambassador and parkrun participant myself for many years I know firsthand how beneficial participation can be. No matter whether you walk, jog, run or volunteer, parkrun is the perfect combination of physical exercise and social connection to kick off your weekend.
“The Vhi Couch to parkrun programme is a brilliant entry point for people across Ireland who are keen to try parkrun but aren’t sure how to go about it. Designed by Vhi experts, it will help participants to gain confidence and fitness over a six-week period. Register today at couchtoparkrun.ie to kickstart a journey I guarantee you won’t regret!”