Passionate Offaly parkrunner completes 150th at Mountlucas venue

MEET Mairéad Scally, who recently completed her 150th parkrun at Mountlucas parkrun. For more information about Mountlucas parkrun see parkrun.ie/mountlucas

When did you first complete a parkrun?

I completed my first parkrun at Mountlucas in Spring 2019. I had just gotten into running and wanted to try and get into the habit of completing 5km regularly. From the first time I attended Mountlucas parkrun I loved it- great course, great company, and great craic! I met people at that first parkrun that have become great friends. It has become an important part of my life since then, between participating in parkrun and volunteering at parkrun.

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

I love running, without a doubt, but the great thing about parkrun is running with great company. Having so many other people there supporting and encouraging you is priceless. I started out participating in parkrun on my own but over time I have introduced my daughter, and then my eldest son, to parkrun. The three of us run together and I get so much joy from seeing my children make progress in their running. It's one of my highlights of motherhood- getting to run with my children, and doing something which we love together. The sense of pride it brings me each week to see them flourish is just phenomenal.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

There have been so many highs and good memories; it's hard to pick just one. I've really enjoyed completing parkruns in other locations; the most memorable being completing one in Galway with my 2 sisters the morning after we had all attended a friend's wedding. Some of my favourite memories have been celebrating milestones- both my own and other people's. When I completed my 50th parkrun, it fell on my birthday, and was in the lead up to Christmas so there was a magical atmosphere. I also love the memory of my daughter completing her 50th parkrun. It was an unbelievably windy day and we laughed so much as the wind tried to push us back as we ran into it.

How does it feel to have reached the significant milestone of 150 parkruns?

It has taken a long time to reach this milestone. There is no short cut! I am thrilled to have gotten to this point, and to be able to complete my 150th parkrun in the company of my sister and two children was amazing.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

I think the words I'd choose are inclusive, welcoming and scenic.