SHANNON is to officially begin hosting parkruns from the end of this month.
From Saturday March 26th, the Illaunmanagh parkrun will come into being, initial efforts to initiate this came into play in early 2020 but were derailed due to COVID-19.
Over 100 events connected to the parkrun are held across Ireland including Lees Rd and Clarisford Park. People can register freely online and print out a barcode and then participate in a 5 km event in their local area. When they finish the 5 km course, by running or walking, their barcode is scanned and they get a time which they can then aim to improve on subsequent occasions.
Some of the fine amenities available in Shannon will be highlighted by the route. It begins on the path near the Illaunmanagh cemetery, behind St Senan’s Rugby Club. It continues along the estuary, looping around Lynch Park in Drumgeely before returning to the start. The new Illaunmanagh parkrun is within walking distance of many households in Shannon and within easy reach of the 343 Limerick-Ennis bus route. The plan is to celebrate this inaugural event with a post run tea/coffee, and maybe a bun, in the Hope Cafe, Smithstown.
Event directors Niamh O’Callaghan and Rob Stephen are hopeful for a big turnout from locals but also “parkrun tourists” who are regulars at other events. Along with the duo, Shona O’Flynn (regional parkrun ambassador), Des Broaders, Rob Bryan, Maire O’Donnell and John Hourigan have been involved in the behind the scenes work.
Clare County Council, Clare Sports Partnership and VHI have provided support to get the Shannon parkrun off the ground. “The physical and mental health benefits of parkrun are well documented and the hope is that this parkrun will be a weekly feature in Shannon for very many years to come,” Rob said. For further information, email illaunmanagh@parkrun.com.
