This particular parkrun is the oldest one in County Cork having started back on the 18th of May 2013. Since then, it has been held 165 times and a total of 1530 people have taken part. The average number per week based on all 165 events is 48.
The chart below shows the history of the event.
2013.....It started in May and got roughly 50-60 per week. In the second half of 2013, it slowed down a bit to about 40-50 per week.
2014.....It seems to get about 50 per week in the first half of the year with a noticeable drop to about 30 per week in the second half.
2015.....It starts off with a surge to about 50-60 per week with probably some help from the Operation Transformation TV programme. In the Summer, it tapers off to about 40 per week but the numbers get a bit weak towards the end of the year. The Tramore Valley Park 5k parkrun in Cork City started in September and this is shown in the chart. Some of the runners closer to the city may have opted for the new run and the number dropped to about 20-30 per week. All the storms at the end of the year also resulted in some cancellations.
2016....In the chart, you'll also see the date for the last 5k parkrun in Tramore Valley Park. Despite the fact that 533 ran in Cork City, 77 runners still turned out in Macroom. This just goes to show how much Operation Transformation can have an impact on parkrun numbers.
For the next few months of 2016, the numbers were pretty good with about 70 per week taking part. No doubt a lot of this was due to the fact that the Tramore Valley Park event closed and some of those people new to parkrun opted for Macroom instead. Towards the end of May, the numbers dropped and the new parkrun in Ballincollig has caused a further drop. The Ballincollig event started on the 23rd of June and this is shown a B in the chart.
Over the last few weeks, it has been back down to about 30 per week. This is about 10 or so down on the same period last year.
The parkrun in Macroom isn't exactly the flattest but it's a nice spot all the same. It's located in the Castle Demense and the entrance is shown below which is next to the main Killarney road.
For more info on the Macroom parkrun, go to http://www.parkrun.ie/castledemense/
I have been to Macroom Park run several times. It is a great place to go to. When Tramore valley closed i went down most Saturdays until Ballincollig opened up. I must say Macroom is a lovely park run.It is challanging with the hill which you have to run up twice. Lovely woodland. I have to say the volunteers are great down there. Making everyone feel welcome and a great cuppa and biscuit in the community center after the run. A great place for a meet up and a chat. So if you live near Macroom I would recommend a trip there. As we now have a park run in Ballicollig I dont go to Macroom but i still see a few of the park runners at local races. So get out there and support the Park run
ReplyDeleteA great run with lovely, encouraging people. A real social event with a great cuppa afterwards.
ReplyDeleteLove Castle Demense parkrun and look forward to going when I visit from the UK.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting and challenging course - but who doesn't want to challenge themselves?
Lovely organisers and welcome eats and drinks at the end.
Be back soon