- Vhi campaign to highlight the mental health benefits of participating in parkrun
- Vhi survey of parkrun participants finds that:
- A staggering 97% of parkrun participants say it has had a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing
- 89% say that the opportunity parkrun gives them to experience nature positively affects their mood and mental wellbeing.
- More than half (55%) of parkrunners cite improving their mental health as the main reason they participate in parkrun
- Find out more and register for parkrun at: www.parkrun.ie
10 October 2024: To mark World Mental Health month, Vhi has today launched a campaign as part of its award-winning More Than Running series, which this time focuses on the positive mental health benefits of participating in parkrun.
Vhi’s recent parkrun survey of parkrunners found that parkrun not only offers physical benefits, but also has a significant positive impact on the mental health of its participants too.
- 55% of those surveyed say the main reason they participate in parkrun is to improve their mental health, while 58% said it gives them a sense of achievement or accomplishment. The survey results also showed that:
- A resounding 97% of participants say parkrun has had a positive impact on their health and wellbeing
- 58% said it has improved their overall happiness
- 42% say it has given them a more positive outlook on life
- 40% say parkrun helps them switch off and de-stress
- 89% say that the opportunity parkrun gives them to experience nature positively affects their mood and mental wellbeing
- 1 in 3 say participating in parkrun has given them more confidence
Vhi has created a parkrun video series with Vhi ambassador David Gillick speaking to parkrun community members who tell first-hand their stories of how parkrun has positively impacted their lives.
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 150 venues across Ireland, with around 15,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week. It is the biggest community-led physical activity movement in Ireland with more than 458,000 registered participants with over 46,000 of those having volunteered at parkrun.
To find and register for your nearest parkrun, visit www.parkrun.ie. New registrants should select their chosen event as their home location. You will then receive a personal barcode.
Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Communications, Vhi said: “As presenting partners of parkrun, Vhi is committed to helping people live longer, stronger, healthier lives. Our recent survey of parkrun participants really highlighted the mental health benefits that many experience by taking part on a Saturday morning. Feedback from the parkrun community showed that parkrun offers participants the chance to switch off from the worries of everyday life, build friendships within their local community and to get outdoors and experience nature. It truly is a unique event and one we’re very proud to partner with.”
Vhi ambassador David Gillick said: “I’m so proud to be a part of this campaign and to help bring to light the amazing mental health benefits available to people through parkrun. I have first-hand experience of these benefits and the results of the survey show that parkrunners across the country feel the same way! It just goes to show the importance of parkrun within local communities, and I would strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about getting involved in parkrun to give it a try, you will not regret it.”
ENDS
Notes to the editor:
Research
A survey of 1,950 parkrun participants took place between 6th and 25th September 2024.
About Vhi
Vhi is Ireland’s leading health insurer and have been presenting partners with parkrun since 2016
Vhi has a long history of supporting activities that promote healthy lifestyles, particularly in the area of participative running
Vhi also sponsors the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon
Vhi mission is to help people live longer, stronger, healthier lives and they want to support people nationwide to participate in parkrun, whether they run, jog, walk or volunteer
www.vhi.ie / www.facebook.com/vhihealthcare / @Vhi_ie