Cavan Parkrun: putting a Spring in your step

With Spring transforming the landscape, the appeal of an early morning walk in good company is something the organisers of Cavan parkrun in Con Smith park hope will swell their ranks.

Parkruns happen all over the world, every Saturday, at 9.30am. It’s a weekly free-to-enter 5k walk or run, where you can take the dog along, push the pram, or bring your granny.

“The parkrun is going great,” volunteer Kim McCafferty tells. “We recommenced post-Covid last October and have had loads of successful runs since. We have had quite a few parkrun ‘tourists’. These are people who travel from all over Ireland or even further afield to get put a notch on their parkrun bedpost,” she laughs.

One of the most appealing aspects of the event is it’s all inclusive nature: “We want people to know that although it is called a ‘run’ it’s welcoming for people who just want to walk it. You will never be last, because there is a tail walker. This is a volunteer who is a sweeper behind the group. It doesn’t matter if your 5k takes you 16 minutes or 16 hours. There will always be someone behind you and we just want people to participate and have fun,” Kim says.

The times are recorded, but that’s just for participants to see their own progress. The atmosphere is supportive rather than competitive, and the emphasis is on fun for all ages: “Once registered, you will always get your time and your stats. We have a really brilliant bunch of people who are volunteers. New volunteers are always welcome. It’s very easy to do and really fun.”

Cavan Town’s first parkrun took place on the first Saturday of January 2020, and has rapidly become a highlight of many people’s weekends.

Kim speaks of the particular appeal of the Spring runs: “We would love to welcome more participants of all ability. This is a fun gathering where you get to meet up with people in a wonderful social atmosphere and have a bit of craic. We stick around after and have a chat. The park is just beginning to burst into life and it looks great at present.”

Con Smith parkrun is one of three in the county with Cootehill and Deerpark also hosting runs at 9:30am every Saturday.