November 5th, 2022
Running and I go a long way back—over 10 years—but I had never heard of Parkruns before moving to Ireland. (When I moved here, I stumbled upon Parkrun while searching for ways to connect with like-minded runners and outdoor enthusiasts. With a race coming up, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to test myself and meet a supportive running community.)
How I Discovered Parkrun
The Friday before, as soon as I came home, I registered on the Parkrun website and started thinking about the following morning. I was full of questions: Did I have the right clothes? Which shoes should I wear? Would the terrain or weather trip me up? I knew I could run 5k and had my barcode ready, but that was about it.
Runner’s Tip 1: Always aim to arrive early when going to a Parkrun. You might not know exactly where people are gathering, or you could get lost on the way there. Parking could also be an issue. Besides, if you’re going to a Parkrun to meet the community, why not arrive early and engage with other runners?
Runner’s Tip 2: Research the Parkrun you plan to attend. Is it hilly? Fast-paced? Large or small? Knowing what to expect can calm your nerves and help you prepare. Check the event’s social media accounts for helpful insights.
The Morning of My First Parkrun
Saturday morning was thankfully dry for an autumn day. Having my clothing sorted, I decided to wear my New Balance FuelCell Rebel V2—big mistake, as I’d soon find out. Although I had no intention of racing, I figured they’d be fine.
After my usual breakfast of porridge with blueberries, I headed out the door. Crossing a field of grass en route to the park, I realized I was running behind schedule. Panic set in: What if everyone had already started? What if I couldn’t find them? What if I was “the late one”?
Adrenaline rushing, I took a shortcut downhill on an unpaved path. Mistake. My shoes, with little grip, betrayed me, and I slid down a muddy hill on my butt. Now I was late and covered in mud. Great. After a quick dust-off and a sheepish glance around, I hurried back on the main path and finally arrived at the park.
Runner’s Tip: Consider the terrain when choosing your shoes for a Parkrun. Many courses involve grass, dirt, or even mud, so trail shoes with good grip can make all the difference.
Finding My Feet
I managed to find the start line without trouble, though I hadn’t been to this park before. However, I didn’t realize how hilly it was until I arrived. Everyone seemed to know each other, which made me feel out of place.
The Run Director explained the route: a short loop followed by two longer ones, each involving a hill. Hearing the description, I realized how tough this was going to be. Thankfully, other first-timers looked just as nervous, which made me feel less alone.
The Run Begins
Standing at the start line with 50 other runners, I felt a sense of shared anticipation. When the run began, I immediately felt that camaraderie I’d been searching for.
After completing the first loop, I noticed I was pacing with a woman around my age. On the second loop, we started chatting—yes, chatting during a hilly 5k! Suddenly, I didn’t care about my pace or heart rate. I was there to connect, and that’s exactly what I was doing.
We passed the Tail Walkers, who cheered us on as “the chatty ladies.” We joked with them about how we’d just met yet were laughing through the hills like old friends.
By the final loop, I was fully immersed in the moment. The crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the rhythm of runners made it magical.
Crossing the Finish Line
The finish line was uphill. By then, the chatter had turned into laughter at our poor life choices. A cheerful volunteer cheered us up the final stretch, and we crossed the line together, laughing and relieved.
I hadn’t expected to enjoy Parkrun so much. I didn’t check my pace or even pause my watch. When a volunteer scanned my barcode, she invited me to join the group for coffee and cake at a nearby cafe.
A Community Like No Other
At the café, I nervously grabbed a cappuccino, unsure of what to expect. Before I could sit, a friendly woman struck up a conversation. She was a regular and shared that this Parkrun was one of the hilliest in Ireland, which explained the smaller crowd. “But that’s what makes it special,” she said. “We’re a close-knit group, and we love welcoming new faces.”
As I joined the group, conversations flowed effortlessly. Stories about the morning’s run, weekly highlights, and shared laughter filled the room. It didn’t matter if you ran fast, jogged, or walked—everyone was celebrated for showing up. Sitting there, I felt something I hadn’t expected: a true sense of belonging.
Parkrun is more than a 5k. It’s about connection, encouragement, and the joy of moving together. If you’ve ever hesitated, know this: Parkrun welcomes you, just as you are.
Why I’ll Keep Coming Back
This Saturday, I’ll join another Parkrun for the first time—this time pregnant. Running at my old pace feels like a distant dream, and I’ll probably walk most of it. But I miss that sense of connection and joy, and I know Parkrun will deliver it.
If you’re looking for a supportive group to cheer you on and share your runs or walks, I invite you to find your local Parkrun and give it a try next Saturday.
Her Running Journey 
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