Super start to New Year for Mountlucas parkrun

Mountlucas Parkrun got off to a flying start in 2019 with a special New Year’s Day run, which attracted over 70 runners, joggers and walkers, all keen to kickstart 2019.

There have been similar numbers since, and it’s a really successful event, the only parkrun in Offaly. The first parkrun took place on July 1st 2017, and it has secured its place as the Saturday morning running event in Offaly.

As the founder of this event, Pippa Hackett, who is the Green Party candidate for Laois-Offaly and the Edenderry local area, said: “I'm really proud and humbled to know that there are so many people coming to the wind farm in Mountlucas - volunteering, running, jogging and walking, with their friends and family. It's the beginning of a new year, and anything that gets a community connected, motivated, and happy, can only bode well for the future".

She continued: “We’ve been supported from the start by Bord Na Mona and the staff at Mountlucas, as well as Offaly County Council. We also have a wonderful group of volunteers, with the list now exceeding 40 people. Indeed, the volunteering is as much a part of the parkrun experience, as the exercise.

"Everyone is welcome, and get a range of participants, from first timers to competitive athletes.

“It’s particularly brilliant to see families exercising together. As everyone is so supportive and friendly, it makes for a really great event. Regardless of what the weather throws at us, we will endeavour to put on this event each and every Saturday morning at 9.30am,” she said of the free event.

Participants only have to register once, and they can take part in any of parkruns around Ireland, and indeed worldwide. Check out www.parkrun.ie/mountlucas for more details.