Parkrun Profiles: Meet Orla and Niall

Meet Orla Howe and Niall Stobie, a couple living near Edenderry, who are regulars at Mountlucas parkrun.

When did you complete your first parkrun?

Orla: I completed my first parkrun in Griffeen park, Lucan, in January 2019 as a New Years resolution to improve my fitness. I had tried it once prior to that, but I gave up after running one of the two loops of the course. I put too much pressure on myself to run it competitively and ran out of steam. I realised later that the pressure was completely mine and it was acceptable to run, jog, walk or stroll any parkrun once you complete the 5K and enjoy it.

Niall: I started running at Parkrun in 2014 and it was a slow start and bit of a shock to the system to be honest. I had to stop a few times and walk but over time, and with the support of more accomplished runners, my times and fitness levels improved.

What is your favourite think about parkrun?

Orla: My favourite thing about parkrun is that it is a set day and time every week, and a time you make for yourself to do something healthy and enjoyable. You feel so energised afterwards, so it sets you up nicely for the rest of the weekend.

Niall: It’s nice to meet parkrunners every week and have a chat before and after the run. The time of day is perfect and I enjoy the runners high I have for the rest of the afternoon. Also, I run faster than I would running on my own.

How does it feel to have completed more than 100 parkruns?

Orla: I hit my target of 100 parkruns in April 2024 - all done in Griffeen, Lucan, because I used to live near there. However, Niall and I moved back near Edenderry soon after that and we needed to find a new parkrun closer to our new home. We came across Mountlucas parkrun and started in June 2024. This first Mountlucas parkrun was my 101st total parkrun and while I am only at 119 parkruns in total, I plan to work towards the next milestone of 200 parkruns and celebrate the completion of 100 of them in Mountlucas. Unlike many of my parkrun friends, I am not a parkrun tourist trying different locations and courses. I tend to stick to a parkrun close to home, as a creature of habit.

Niall: It was great fun to reach 100 Parkruns in Griffeen even though they were all in one place. I’m not much of a Parkrun tourist either. Orla was with me for my 100th and we got some snaps of the day together. It did take me many years to reach my current 138 runs but in recent times, I try and attend as much as I can. I also plan to get my 200th in Mountlucas.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

Orla: This would be the first day we tried Mountlucas parkrun last June. We were very much part of our previous parkrun community in Lucan and we both volunteered and helped out where we could. It was daunting leaving that completely behind us and starting afresh elsewhere. However, we got such a lovely warm welcome by the organisers, volunteers and whole parkrun community of Mountlucas. Although my family have always lived close to Mountlucas, I had never been on the site until that day, so I did not know the course nor had ever been up close to the wind turbines. That first run was so enjoyable and memorable, and a big positive for me is that it is a one loop 5km course rather than the previous two loops at Griffeen.

Niall: I enjoy doing the Parkrun with Orla and all of those memories rather than one specific one. Running is a hobby we do together and parkrun ensures we keep turning up and running every Saturday morning, even on those exhausting weeks of work. We both reached 100 Parkruns in Griffeen, Lucan and both started our new Parkrun in Mountlucas together after we moved house.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

Orla: For me one word that pops out about Mountlucas parkrun is ‘home’, but with so many dimensions on the word. It is nice to have moved back and close to my family home, but I feel at home with our new Mountlucas parkrun family. Other words I would include about Mountlucas parkrun are ‘friendly’, ‘community’, ‘enjoyable’, ‘fun’ and ‘no-pressure’.

Niall: The Mountlucas parkrunners and organisers are very ‘friendly’, ‘genuine’ and ‘supportive’. There is no pressure to perform faster; the only person you compete with is yourself. I like the ‘unique terrain’ and surroundings of the Mountlucas course and the fact that it is ‘one lap’ of the course, so you only pass the finish line once.