Profile of a Parkrunner: Meet Mary

Meet Mary Dunne, a regular at Mountlucas parkrun. For more information about Mountlucas parkrun, see parkrun.ie/mountlucas

When did you first complete a parkrun?

My first ever parkrun was at Mountlucas in March 2018. Since then I've completed more than 180 parkruns! When my sister visits from the UK, we'll do the Mountlucas parkrun together. We've also done a bit of "parkrun tourism"- taking part in other parkruns in different places across Ireland and the UK. To date, I've completed parkruns in 11 different places...and counting!

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

My favourite thing about parkrun is the wide variety of people you meet at parkrun which I wouldn't meet in day to day life. I've volunteered more than 80 times at Mountlucas parkrun, most frequently as first timers welcome. This role involves welcoming everyone who is coming to Mountlucas parkrun for the first time and giving them some information about the course and how parkrun works. It's my favourite volunteer role because I still get to run the parkrun myself, and anyone who knows me knows I love an excuse to chat new people! I love chatting to parkrun tourists, and first timers; finding out where they've come from and their parkrun journey.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

My favourite parkrun memory was the first post-Covid parkrun when parkrun returned in September 2021. Having missed it for so long, it was wonderful to see familiar faces and getting back out again on Saturday mornings.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

The words I'd use to describe Mountlucas parkrun are great craic and friendships.