Campaign from Vhi aims to encourage people nationwide to volunteer at their local parkrun
Vhi survey of parkrun participants finds that:
- 9 out of 10 parkrun participants said they would recommend volunteering at parkrun to friends or family
- 93% of respondents say their health and wellbeing has improved from volunteering at parkrun
- Find out more and register for parkrun at: www.parkrun.ie
5th September 2023: Businesswoman Aimee Connolly, Olympian David Gillick and Vhi Clinical Psychologist Dr Lydia Mackeogh today launched Vhi’s More Than Running parkrun campaign.
Building on the award-winning More than Running campaign from last year, which showcased the various health benefits that participating in parkrun can bring walkers, joggers and runners, Vhi are this year calling on people across the country to volunteer at their local parkrun, not only for the benefit of participants, but for their own health and wellbeing too.
A recent Vhi survey of parkrun participants centred on volunteering habits and benefits. Nine out of ten people surveyed said they would recommend volunteering at parkrun to friends and family, a ringing endorsement that is reflected in the improvements respondents say they have noticed to their overall wellbeing:
- 93% of respondents say their health and wellbeing has improved from volunteering at parkrun
- 52% say it has helped improved their overall happiness
- 40% say it has helped improve their mental health
parkrun volunteers also find themselves feeling more connected to others and the local community:
- 81% of respondents say volunteering at parkrun has helped made them feel more connected to local community.
- 61% are motivated to volunteer as a way of supporting their local community
- 49% said it’s an opportunity to meet new people
As presenting partner of parkrun, Vhi are delighted to announce that this September and October, they will be visiting parkruns in Dublin, Galway and Wexford as part of the Vhi ‘More Than Running’ Roadshows.
Vhi ambassadors Aimee Connolly and David Gillick will be on hand as volunteers to experience the wellbeing benefits for themselves and to cheer parkrun participants every step of the way. Vhi is encouraging people to come along and join in the celebrations, participate as a walker, jogger or runner, and to find out more about how to volunteer at their local parkrun.
Matt Shields, parkrun Ireland Country Manager said: “The parkrun community is fuelled by our volunteer network, without which we couldn’t put on events up and down the country, week in, week out. They deserve incredible recognition and we’re very pleased to see in this Vhi survey that they believe they get as much out of volunteering as they put in.”
Dr Lydia Mackeogh, National Clinical Psychology Lead, Vhi said: “At Vhi, our aim is to help our members live longer, stronger, healthier lives. To achieve this it’s vital to look after your mental wellbeing, as well as the physical. A sense of belonging and of feeling connected to others, cannot be underestimated in this regard, and the feedback from the parkrun community illustrates these benefits.”
Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly commented “I’m proud to be a Vhi ambassador and to be involved in this year’s’ More than Running’ campaign. I’m a huge fan of parkrun, but my experience to date has been as a runner so I can’t wait to put on a high-vis vest and experience it as a volunteer!”
Vhi ambassador David Gillick said “From parkrun to the Olympics, no event works without a dedicated team of volunteers in place. I’ve been to parkruns up and down the country and at every single event I’ve met incredible people devoting their Saturday or Sunday morning to ensuring a great experience for participants. The wellbeing benefits outlined in Vhi’s survey happily show that volunteers get a great deal out of it too, and I’d encourage people to get in touch with their local parkrun and experience those benefits for themselves.”
parkrun in partnership with Vhi supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning and 2km junior parkruns every Sunday at 140 venues all over Ireland, with around 12,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week. It is the biggest community-led physical activity movement in Ireland with more than 395,000 registered participants and 35,500 registered volunteers. The events are organised by volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Ballinteer. Over 395,350 registered participants have run more than 13 million kilometres at parkrun Ireland events since it started here in November 2012.
To register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode which acts as your free entry to any parkrun event worldwide.
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
Research
A survey of 1123 parkrun participants took place between 9th and 21st August 2023.
For more information:
Vhi More Than Running Roadshow Locations:
9th September – River Valley parkrun, Swords, Dublin, with Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly
16th September – Knocknacarra parkrun, Salthill, Galway, with Vhi ambassador Aimee Connolly
30th September – Poolbeg parkrun, Irishtown, Dublin, with Vhi ambassador David Gillick
7th October – Wexford Racecourse parkrun, Wexford, with Vhi ambassador David Gillick