Profile of a Parkrunner: Meet Ger Dempsey from Clonbullogue

The organisers of the Mountlucas Parkrun shared this Q&A with Ger Dempsey, from Clonbullogue, who recently completed his 200th parkrun. For more information about Mountlucas parkrun see parkrun.ie/mountlucas.

When did you first complete a parkrun?

I completed my first parkrun on July 22, 2017, at Mountlucas.

I heard that it had started through the local papers, registered with parkrun.ie to get my barcode, and went along to see what it was all about. I've been pretty much a regular parkrunner since.

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

There are many wonderful things about parkrun but mainly it's a very useful and friendly way to keep the mind and body healthy.

They are free to compete in, and you can just turn up at over 150 locations throughout Ireland and many locations throughout the world. I even completed one parkrun in Vienna in 2022, while on a weekend break. It's at a time, 9.30 every Saturday morning, that doesn't cause must disruption to daily events.

I live in Clonbullogue, and it is so good to have a parkrun facility so close, which makes the decision to get up early on a Saturday morning that bit easier!

How does it feel to have reached the significant milestone of 200 parkruns?

When I completed my first parkrun I never considered myself as a runner, but it was a good way to keep my fitness levels up. I still take part in other sports such as basketball and badminton so the parkruns help me through these sports.

Of the 200 parkruns, 196 have been completed at Mountlucas and no two are the same between weather conditions, time, finishing positions and meeting and chatting to the different people that attend. I have got to worry less about finishing times as the legs get older. Now that I have reached this 200 number, its time for me to put something back by volunteering over the next few weeks.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

I would say the 200th event in Mountlucas in December 2022, as the weather conditions were excellent for running (cold morning, no wind and a large number of runners) which helped me to get within a few seconds of my PB (personal best) from a few years before. The coffee and memorial t-shirts afterwards were added bonuses.

My own personal 200th recently achieved also stands out as I thought I would never reach this target. I felt I had won the race, running through the 200 ribbon.

What words best describe Mountlucas Parkrun?

For me, it is the beautiful scenery, warm and friendly welcome from the regulars and the excellent preparation work that goes on behind the scenes, preparing the facility, organising the volunteers and distributing the results so the event always runs smoothly.

There is always great encouragement for both runners and walkers.