Alpaca Walk and Run in Mullagh

The Alpaca Walk and Run in Mullagh is a welcoming community fitness initiative for anyone who wants to get active, improve their fitness and work towards completing a 5K Parkrun. Open to all abilities, including participants from the Couch to 5K programme, the sessions are relaxed, supportive and designed so that everyone can work at their own pace.

The group meets every Wednesday at 8pm at the Community Park in Mullagh, come rain or shine. Each evening begins with a warm-up lap and a few different exercises – this week, participants enjoyed some rope skipping. The activities can vary from week to week, keeping things interesting and helping participants build strength and fitness.

“Everyone can run their own pace and do the exercises to the best of their abilitity,” assures Ronan Carolan, a local physiotherapist who runs the sessions as part of the Mullagh Activity Hub. The group is also working towards the enjoyable local 5K Parkrun on Saturdays, which regularly attracts between 25 and 50 people.

The main session includes around half an hour of walking, jogging or running, depending on what suits each person. This is followed by approximately 20 minutes of exercises on mats, focusing on areas such as core strength, legs and glutes. Some participants are happy to work independently, while others enjoy the guidance and encouragement provided.

The name “Alpaca” comes from the group’s original attempts to run alongside alpacas – although the furry friends proved a little too rowdy!

The name stayed, reflecting the group’s fun, inclusive and multi-parish spirit. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in.