Double milestone for Paschal and James at Mountlucas Parkrun

There was a double milestone at Mountlucas parkrun on Saturday when Paschal Naughton completed his 150th parkrun and James Dowling completed his 75th parkrun. Paschal has been a regular face at Mountlucas parkrun since it first started in July 2017. He is a strong runner and is a member of Tullamore Harriers Athletics Club. He has been a key member of the volunteer team at Mountlucas parkrun for the last number of years and is a regular Run Director at Mountlucas.

Speaking after the parkrun, Paschal said: "I am delighted to have completed my 150th parkrun. I took up running 11 years ago when my son suggested that we both do the 10k night run in Dublin. I got the bug after that, and I have continued to run since then. I didn't know a lot about parkrun, so when Mountlucas Parkrun started in July 2017, I went along to see what it was all about. And I was hooked. I find it a great way to start Saturday, and you are still home in time to do all those Saturday tasks. It was great to be joined by my family today to celebrate my 150th parkrun; only disappointment is that my son beat me across the line on the morning!"

Paschal has completed the majority of his 150 parkruns in Mountlucas. He outlined: "Mountlucas Parkrun is a super friendly community parkrun, and over the years, I have gotten to know nearly everyone who takes part in Mountlucas. I also became involved in volunteering at Mountlucas parkrun, and I have undertaken the Run Director role from time to time."

The success of any parkrun is only as great as the success of its team of volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes, and Paschal continues to make an important contribution to the success of Mountlucas parkrun. Paschal was followed across the line on Saturday by James Dowling, a regular of Cabinteely parkrun in Dublin. James is the partnerships and communications manager for Parkrun Ireland, so is well experienced in the different aspects of parkrun, both on the day of events and behind the scenes. He thoroughly enjoyed his experience at Mountlucas parkrun and comparing experiences with the volunteer team at Mountlucas. Conversation that morning focused on the importance of a strong volunteer team and good event sponsors. Mountlucas parkrun has Bord na Móna as event sponsor with Bord na Móna providing access to Mountlucas windfarm as the venue as well as providing ongoing support to the volunteer team.

Parkrun is a free weekly timed 5km event for runners and walkers that takes place every Saturday morning at more than 2,000 locations in 23 Countries across the world.

Mountlucas Parkrun is based at Bord na Móna Mountlucas Wind farm outside Daingean.

See www.parkrun.ie/mountlucas to register and for more details