Introduction.....Parkrun is an organisation that holds weekly timed 5 km runs throughout the UK. In more recent times, events have been introduced into Ireland. Old post in 2011 HERE
It basically works by registering online and then getting a bar code to print out which you wear at any event you go to. Your bar code is then scanned at the end of each run and your time is updated to a results database.
Back in January, I had a post up about whether it was time for Park Runs to come to Cork? It generated a fair bit of debate with some holding different views on whether the concept was good for running or not.
The first event in Cork got underway in Macroom last Saturday, the 18th of May with 64 people taking part. This will be held now every Saturday in the Macroom Castle Demense at 9:30am. To take part, you need to register online first. More info HERE
The main idea behind the concept is that it is not a race but a timed run. You can do the exact same course a few weeks apart and you can see if your fitness is improving or not. You could also just use it as a training run or a casual run, whatever you feel like doing.
Looking at some of the other Parkruns in Ireland, here are some stats....
Enniskillen, Co.Fermanagh (Pop. 13.6k).....Numbers taking part 35 to 58
Cookstown, Co.Tyrone (Pop 11k).....Numbers taking part 18
Portrush, Co.Antrim (Pop 6k).......Numbers taking part 19 to 105
Macroom by comparison has a population of about 3,500 which is quite small.
The question now is how successful will it be in the long term? I have no doubt that there will be good numbers early on but what about in 6 or 12 months time when the novelty has worn off? Will people travel from Cork City and other towns to take part in it on a regular basis? Will it impact on local races? Will the glut of local races impact on it? Lots of questions with no answers. Only time will tell.
8 comments:
Are these accurately measured I wonder? The Macroom one in particular?
Its FREE John and its timed so i think people should weigh up that you pay on average €10 for a timed 5km currently...it wouldnt cost thar much to drive to and from Cork City!!! Time to embrace something new people of Cork!
Ran it on Saturday as part of my training leading up to the john buckley 5k.Extremely well run and organised ,reg online ,get barcode and set off at the start line.take your finish token to the desk afterwards to be scanned and job done.The course itself is tough with some extremely fast down hill sections followed by 2 loops on a good climb tough climb. Definitely not a pb course.I plan to run it often in training and I hope it will survive for a long time to come.They seemed to be only 5 or 6 club runners there so local walkers and joggers will be needed to stay attending to keep it going I think
My thoughts on this would be that anything that gets people outdoors and running must be good.
It is free, and non competitive, so would be a good option for people who may feel a bit intimidated about going to a 'Race'.
The day and time is good as it means you are not writing off half of your day to do a short race. Also, there are few enough runs on Saturdays, so it is not likely to have a major effect on other races.
Only issue is the location, but i am sure it will suit a lot of people.
It does not seem to be a very numbers focused thing, just an opportunity for people to get out there and run, so all i can say is best of luck with it.
I would be interested in this idea but Macroom is a bit too far for me, will you be going to other part of cork like Midleton/Youghal?
I would definitely take part if it was nearer my home.
seemed accurately measured to me ,my garmin 310xt went through 5k as I crossed the line
Second everything Gearoid says.. It was so enjoyable and a great start to a Saturday.. Run done and grocery shopping done all by 10.30 cant be bad!
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