1 in 10 people in Ireland are now registered for parkrun in major milestone for community activity

parkrun Ireland, supported by presenting partner Vhi, has reached a landmark moment in community participation, with 10% of the population now registered for parkrun.

Over 500,000 people across the republic have signed up to take part in the free, weekly, timed 5k and junior events that take place every Saturday and Sunday morning in parks, towns and communities nationwide. The milestone marks a significant achievement not only for parkrun Ireland, but for grassroots sport, public health and community wellbeing across the country.

The achievement of reaching 10% registration reflects parkrun’s uniquely inclusive ethos: participants can walk, jog, run or volunteer, and there is no time limit or cost to take part. Families, friends, neighbours and visitors are all welcomed every weekend at their local parkrun.

For parkrunners like Olivia Duffy, whose home parkrun is Marlay parkrun in Dublin, that inclusivity has been life-changing. She first began her health journey in 2015, determined to stop smoking and get moving. A friend suggested parkrun, and she has been attending ever since. Following her diagnosis with Huntington’s Disease four years ago, maintaining an active lifestyle became even more important. parkrun now provides that routine, motivation and a supportive community for her that cannot be replicated by exercising alone.

Her husband Donal describes it as “something different and special that you can’t replicate… The exercise, the birds, the dogs, the people, the camaraderie - I can’t think of anything else that provides the same combined package.”

Jenny Branigan, Territory Manager for parkrun Ireland, said: “Reaching 10% of the Irish population registered for parkrun is an extraordinary milestone and a real testament to communities right across the country. parkrun has always been about more than a run or a walk - it’s about connection, inclusivity and creating a positive start to the weekend. Every registration represents someone who has taken a step towards being part of something bigger, whether that’s walking their first 5k, volunteering in their local park, or simply coming along for the chat and the coffee afterwards.”

She added: “What makes this milestone so special is that it has been built entirely by communities. Our events are delivered by volunteers every single week, and it’s their dedication that has helped parkrun grow from one event to a nationwide movement. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved so far.”

parkrun Ireland events are open to people of all ages and abilities, including dedicated junior parkrun events for children aged 4–14 on Sunday mornings. Participation spans generations, with participants ranging from toddlers in buggies to walkers, first-time 5k finishers, seasoned runners and those marking major milestones such as 50, 100, 250 or even 500 parkruns.

As Ireland reaches this 10% milestone, parkrun Ireland is encouraging anyone who has not yet registered to consider joining our wonderful community. Registration is free and only needs to be completed once to take part at any parkrun event worldwide.