Popular parkrun in Offaly returns to banks of Grand Canal

THE Grand Canal Way parkrun in has been postponed every week since late September. Now, with the help of Minister Pippa Hackett, the event can proceed again and celebrate its third anniversary along the Grand Canal Way in Tullamore.

Parkrun is a free, inclusive event with no time limit to complete the 5km walk or run and the Tullamore parkrun was badly missed by the regular participants.

Minister Pippa Hackett, who founded the neighbouring parkrun in Mountlucas Windfarm, intervened when she heard of the cancelled Grand Canal event.

She contacted the organisers and committed to getting to the bottom of the problem.

Explained the Minister: “Waterways Ireland has oversight of events along the Grand Canal Way and a misunderstanding had led to their rescinding of approval for the Tullamore parkrun. The last run was on September 21. In fairness to Waterways Ireland, there was an eagerness to resolve the anomaly and I am delighted to be the bearer of good news that the parkrun can get back to business!”

Minister Hackett continued: "These events make a really positive contribution to our local communities. There is a wonderful social side where no-one finishes last and we celebrate personal and group milestones. In Mountlucas we were very happy to host some of our Tullamore neighbours over the last month, but it’s even better that they have their own parkrun back and can celebrate their third birthday at home.”