A dozen reasons to celebrate as Kilkenny Parkrun turned 12 last weekend

Now in its 12th year parkrun has been a huge success in Kilkenny, bringing people from all over the world to the Castle Park for a weekly 5k run on Saturday mornings | Vicky Comerford

placeholder image — Now in its 12th year parkrun has been a huge success in Kilkenny, bringing people from all over the world to the Castle Park for a weekly 5k run on Saturday mornings | Vicky Comerford

Birthday bash for Kilkenny parkrun

Kilkenny reached a major milestone as parkrun celebrated its 12th birthday at the weekend.

The Castle Park was a hive of activity as 198 people ran, jogged and walked the 5km course. Close to 200 people participated – many regulars, along with 30 first-timers – in what has become part of the fabric of Saturday mornings in the city.

Joining in the celebrations were Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny Co Co, Cllr Joe Malone and Mayor of Kilkenny Cllr Andrew McGuinness. With Saturday also being World Mental Health Day, the parkrun had added importance as it acknowledged the benefits parkrun brings to the community and people’s mental health.

Kilkenny parkrun has gone from strength to strength since that first event on October 11, 2014. With visitors from all over the world participating – Saturday’s run drew people from as far away as New Zealand to nearby Carlow, some 11,371 participants have completed 82,847 parkruns, covering a total distance of 414,235km across the 534 events held to date.

For more on the free, fun and friendly weekly 5k community event, see parkrun.ie/kilkenny