300th parkrun at Mountlucas Windfarm

The 300th parkrun at Mountlucas parkrun took place at the weekend. There was a huge crowd in attendance with 123 people completing the parkrun and 12 volunteers. There was a special commemorative t-shirt for all attendees, kindly sponsored by Bord na Móna, as well as tea, coffee and hot breakfast treats.

The volunteer team would like to thank Bord na Móna for their unwavering support of Mountlucas parkrun since it began, and a particular special mention must go to Catherine Swaine in Bord na Móna. Run Director for the day, Kevin Curran, thanked everyone who attended and highlighted that the event could not continue without the incredible support from the volunteer team. Minister Pippa Hackett, founder of Mountlucas parkrun, attended the special event and gave a particular welcome to runners from the Sanctuary Runners Tullamore group who had attended. Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport initiative which uses running, jogging and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and all Irish residents.

Neil Deere had a special milestone on the day also, completing his 150th parkrun. He was joined by his wife Cui Cui and daughter Kayla. Neil is a key member of the volunteer team at Mountlucas parkrun and has volunteered at the event an amazing 70 times, most frequently as Run Director. Well done Neil!

There was an amazing 19 personal best times on the day.

Mountlucas parkrun held its first parkrun in July 2017 and has continued to grow since then. The free, weekly event is held on Saturdays at 9.30am at Mountlucas windfarm and is open to walkers, runners and joggers. Dog (on a short, non-extendable lead) and children are welcome. For more information see parkrun.ie/mountlucas