Volunteer at your local parkrun

‘More than Running’ Campaign

‘More than Running’ Campaign from Vhi aims to encourage people in Tipperary to reap wellbeing benefits of volunteering at their local parkrun Businesswoman Aimee Connolly, Olympian David Gillick and Vhi Clinical Psychologist Dr Lydia Mackeogh launched Vhi’s More Than Running parkrun campaign.

Building on the award-winning More than Running campaign from last year, which showcased the various health benefits that participating in parkrun can bring walkers, joggers and runners, Vhi are this year calling on people across the country to volunteer at their local parkrun, not only for the benefit of participants, but for their own health and wellbeing too.

A recent Vhi survey of parkrun participants centred on volunteering habits and benefits. Nine out of ten people surveyed said they would recommend volunteering at parkrun to friends and family, a ringing endorsement that is reflected in the improvements respondents say they have noticed to their overall wellbeing:

93% of respondents say their health and wellbeing has improved from volunteering at parkrun

52% say it has helped improved their overall happiness

40% say it has helped improve their mental health parkrun volunteers also find themselves feeling more connected to others and the local community:

81% of respondents say volunteering at parkrun has helped made them feel more connected to local community.

61% are motivated to volunteer as a way of supporting their local community

49% said it’s an opportunity to meet new people Vhi is encouraging people in Tipperary to experience those wellbeing benefits for themselves, by volunteering at one of the five parkruns currently active in the county.

- Borrisokane Town parkrun - Burgess junior parkrun - Clonmel parkrun - Knockanacree Wood parkrun - Templemore parkrun

Clarisford Park in Killaloe also hosts a popular parkrun. Matt Shields, parkrun Ireland Country Manager said: “The parkrun community is fuelled by our volunteer network, without which we couldn’t put on events up and down the country, week in, week out. They deserve incredible recognition and we’re very pleased to see in this Vhi survey that they believe they get as much out of volunteering as they put in.”

Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly commented: “I’m proud to be a Vhi ambassador and to be involved in this year’s’ More than Running’ campaign. I’m a huge fan of parkrun, but my experience to date has been as a runner so I can’t wait to put on a high-vis vest and experience it as a volunteer!”

Vhi ambassador David Gillick said: “From parkrun to the Olympics, no event works without a dedicated team of volunteers in place. I’ve been to parkruns up and down the country and at every single event I’ve met incredible people devoting their Saturday or Sunday morning to ensuring a great experience for participants. The wellbeing benefits outlined in Vhi’s survey happily show that volunteers get a great deal out of it too, and I’d encourage people to get in touch with their local parkrun and experience those benefits for themselves.”

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 140 venues all over Ireland, with around 12,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week. It is the biggest community-led physical activity movement in Ireland with more than 395,000 registered participants and 35,500 registered volunteers. The events are organised by volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Ballinteer. Over 395,350 registered participants have run more than 13 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012.

REGISTER FOR PARKRUN

To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.