Holywell parkrun celebrates

EVERY Sunday between 9am and 10am, Holywell Park in Swords becomes a hive of activity as scores of people get together to engage in junior parkrun, a free weekly 2k run which is open to children of all abilities aged between four and 14-years-of-age.

Set up in December 2017 by local runner Sinead Davy and Bryan Donovan, event director for Rivervalley parkrun, Holywell junior parkrun, has become a massive success with a total of 569 junior runners crossing the finish line in over 49 events.

But there was an extra special magic in the park on December 2. Holywell Park was buzzing with over 250 children and adults all there to celebrate the Holywell junior parkrun’s first birthday. 

The theme ‘Superheroes’ was chosen to shine a light on the running achievements of the children who take part and the many volunteers who help make this event happen. The park was filled with all types of Superhero including Spiderman, Superwoman and Captain America. 

Some of the attendees included local councillor and regular volunteer at Holywell junior parkrun, Darragh Butler. Mayor of Fingal Anthony Lavin took over run director Sinead Davy's role by presenting some of the participants with milestone wristbands to celebrate their half-marathon and marathon achievements. 

There was more reason for Holywell junior parkrun to celebrate as they enjoyed a record attendance of 121 junior runners/walkers and a record number of volunteers with 24 people taking various roles. 

The fun did not stop at the finish line, though. Where there is a run there is fun and everyone continued to enjoy the celebrations with the help of birthday cake and other goodies donated by local stores Supervalu and Dunnes in the Pavilions and Linda’s Party Balloons.  A fantastic morning was had by all. One child described it as “the best parkrun atmosphere ever”.

Holywell junior parkrun is part of the parkrun Ireland iniative which aims to bring parkrun, a weekly timed free event to as many people as possible based on the ethos that exercise is fun and accessible for everyone. 

If interested in participating, visit facebook page holywell junior parkrun and register yourself or your junior for parkrun via https://www.parkrun.ie/register/form/