Sun Safe campaign from Vhi aims to raise awareness of the risks of sun exposure for parkrun participants and others who exercise outdoors

Vhi surveyed people who exercise outdoors and found that:

  • 80% of people have been sunburned exercising outdoors in Ireland
  • Just 41% always take measures to protect their skin when exercising outdoors
  • Find out more and register for parkrun at: www.parkrun.ie

25th June 2024: Olympian David Gillick and Consultant Dermatologist Dr Rebecca Hellen today launched Vhi’s Sun Safe parkrun campaign. As presenting partner of parkrun, Vhi aims  to raise awareness of the risks of sun exposure for parkrun participants and anyone who exercises outdoors. Over the summer, Vhi will provide parkrun locations across the country with sunscreen for parkrun participants, and run an educational campaign to help people be sun safe on Vhi and parkrun social channels.

A recent Vhi survey of Irish people found that, when exercising outdoors:

  • 4 in 5 people have been sunburned
  • Just 4 in 10 always take measures to protect their skin
  • 1 in 5 never take measures to protect their skin, increasing to almost 60% of those 65 or older

The survey found that gender and age play a role in attitudes towards sun safety too:

  • Women are 11% more likely to always take measures to protect their skin (46% vs 35% of men)
  • Women are more likely to consider sun protection equally as important as hydration or stretching when exercising outdoors (54% vs 42% of men)
  • 18-24 year olds are the most likely age group to have been sunburned multiple times while exercising outdoors (58%), and adopt measures such as suncream (68%) and protective clothing (28%) much less than average

83% of survey participants said their attitude towards sun protection would be different if they lived in a traditionally warmer, sunnier country, highlighting that the dangers of sun exposure in Ireland are vastly underestimated. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland, with over 13,000 new cases diagnosed every year. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) expects annual cases to double by 2040.

Dr Rebecca Hellen, Consultant Dermatologist at Vhi said: “As a dermatologist, I diagnose and treat skin cancers on a daily basis. The results of the survey certainly reflect what I see and hear in clinic. Thankfully, there are some simple ways that we can reduce our skin cancer risk and still enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities, such as parkrun. The first step in sun protection is to avoid exposure if possible between 11am and 3pm when the levels of harmful ultraviolet light are highest. parkruns are earlier in the morning, which is ideal. The next step is to cover up with light-weight clothing and finally the last line of defence is sunscreen, which should be applied to all areas of exposed skin. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 50 that protects against UVA and UVB. Apply generously and re-apply every 2 hours or after sweating. Don’t forget to wear a hat and wear UV-protective sunglasses.”

Matt Shields, parkrun Ireland Country Manager said: “We want everyone in the parkrun community to enjoy themselves on a Saturday or Sunday morning, but the wellbeing of our participants is equally as important. This campaign from our presenting partner Vhi will be a great asset to the parkrun community, helping to show just how easy it is to be sun safe without compromising any of the enjoyment of being active outdoors.”

Vhi ambassador David Gillick said “Although my World and European medals were won at indoor championships, I spent the majority of my running career outdoors and since retiring I’m a huge advocate of parkrun as the best way to start your weekend. I have to admit though that I’m as guilty as anyone else for neglecting sun protection, assuming that the sun isn’t as dangerous in Ireland.

“Vhi’s survey shows there’s a lot of education still needed on sun safety in Ireland. It has definitely made me change my attitude, and now sun protection is as much a part of my exercise routine as a good warm-up and drinking plenty of fluids. Hopefully Vhi’s campaign will encourage other people to do the same!”

parkrun in partnership with Vhi supports local communities in organising free, weekly, timed 5km runs every Saturday morning and 2km junior parkruns every Sunday. It is the biggest community-led physical activity movement in Ireland with more than 440,000 registered parkrunners. There are 151 events all over Ireland, with around 12,000 people of every age and ability taking part each week. The events are organised by around 2,000 volunteers every weekend from Bere Island to Ballina to Balbriggan. Almost 16 million kilometres have been run 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