David Gillick promotes Couch to Parkrun campaign at Letterkenny

Former Irish athlete, David Gillick, has encouraged the public to take part in VHI’s Your Happy Pace Campaign, starting with the Letterkenny Park Run on September 6. 

As ambassador for VHI’s Couch to Parkrun campaign, Gillick, a two-time European Indoor 400 metres champion, is promoting the campaign to encourage newcomers to experience participating in park runs. 

The programme begins on September 1 and will see participants receive a training plan supplemented by weekly in-person training with a qualified coach at one of six selected parkrun locations nationwide, including Letterkenny.

Further motivation and support will be provided to those who sign up through webinars, as well as tailored WhatsApp groups for each location.

Other locations include park runs in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, and Kilkenny. 

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Gillick spoke about VHI’s parkrun survey, which stated that 90% of people say that parkrun participation is likely to have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing the following week and improved their overall happiness. 

He said: “It’s no surprise to me that VHI’s survey of parkrun participants so clearly shows the levels of happiness that parkrun brings them. 

“Whether you walk, jog, run, or volunteer, participating on a Saturday or Sunday morning offers the perfect combination of physical exercise and social connection. 

“That’s why I’m so excited by VHI’s new Couch to Parkrun programme, as it helps to remove those barriers and offers an amazing opportunity for people across Ireland to give parkrun a try.

“If you’re interested, don’t delay. Apply today at yourhappypace.ie and I will hopefully see you at one of the parkrun locations during the programme.”

There are 50 places available for the programme in Letterkenny, and the closing date to apply is this Sunday, August 10.