Buncrana parkrun celebrates eight years since its founding with special event

Buncrana parkrun has celebrated it eight years with a special weekly run at the town’s shore front.

An energetic Zumba warm up by Patricia Coyle got celebrations underway to mark the founding of the parkrun in September 2017.

After the warm up the 47 participants, of all ages, headed off along the shore path, to make their way to Porthaw and back.

Some were running, some were walking, others were pushing buggies or walking their dogs. Everyone was out enjoying the bright morning, as they do every Saturday morning throughout the year, in all weathers.

There was another cause for celebration at the parkrun because Kevin Denvir from Belfast was doing his 250th parkrun and it was also his 70th birthday.

His family had organised a surprise trip to Buncrana parkrun for Kevin to celebrate this big milestone. They were all waiting at the finish line to cheer him in, several wearing Kevin masks.

They brought a celebration cake for Kevin and along with two cakes baked by Marie Mulhern, there was a fine tea party for all participants and volunteers after finishing.

One of the regular volunteers Steven Diggin said: “It’s been a real pleasure over the past eight years to have volunteered and been involved with so many wonderful people at Buncrana Parkrun. Long may it continue.”

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Co-event director Bernie Gibbins described how parkrun has impacted her life.

“I moved to the Buncrana area from England 20 years ago but was always working full time. I joined parkrun seven years ago and it enabled me to at long last be part of the local community.  At first I joined having completed the couch to 5K but issues with my knee and hip reduced my enjoyment so I became a full time parkrun volunteer. Now I also make a contribution to the community. It’s a win-win as far as I am concerned.”

Sarah Webster said: “I look forward to Saturday morning because of Parkrun. It allows me to do two things I love most, running and socialising.

“Regardless of what has happened during the week, it all dissolves after a 5k run or walk, a chat and a coffee. It’s the ultimate stress relief”

“I began volunteering or walking each Saturday,” said Patricia Greenaway.

“Everyone was so friendly and made me feel really welcome.

“A couple of years ago I thought I would try running (very slowly). I haven’t stopped since and now I’m running the Derry half marathon.

“Buncrana parkrun has helped me become a much healthier, happier person and I've made great friends for life,” she said.

Since it began, 3,463 participants have completed 19,369 parkruns at the weekly event.

Buncrana parkrun is free and meets at 9.15am every Saturday by the shore front play park.