Olympian and long-time Vhi ambassador David Gillick will be at the University of Galway parkrun this Saturday morning the 11th October to celebrate the conclusion of Vhi’s free six-week Couch to parkrun programme.
An avid parkrunner himself, David Gillick will be on hand to congratulate the participants who have followed the programme at the University of Galway parkrun, getting the crowd moving with an energetic warm-up before joining all walkers, joggers and runners on the 5km route at 9.30. Vhi will be waiting at the finish line to reward all participants with delicious snacks, and there will be photo opportunities and merchandise giveaways on the morning too!
Vhi, proud presenting partners of parkrun, created the Couch to parkrun programme to help newcomers to take their first steps toward becoming regular parkrunners and to experience the physical, mental and social benefits of taking part. A Vhi survey of the parkrun community revealed that 90% of parkrunners find participation has a positive impact on their mental wellbeing for the rest of the week, and 99% feel more socially connected through parkrun.
Applicants could apply to participate in the Couch to parkrun programme in person, with weekly training sessions at six parkruns nationwide, including the University of Galway event. The programme is still available online for anyone who is interested in beginning their parkrun journey. The weekly training programmes can be found on parkrun Ireland’s social channels and on yourhappypace.ie.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s special event, Vhi ambassador David Gillick said, “I’ve long been an advocate for the mental and physical health benefits of parkrun, and it has been brilliant to see so many people around the country taking part in Vhi’s free Couch to parkrun programme over the last six weeks.
“I’m very excited to visit the University of Galway parkrun on Saturday morning, and I hope to see as many people as possible there. We’ll kick off with a warm-up to get the pulses going, and Vhi will have some well-deserved snacks and refreshments waiting for us at the finish line!
Brighid Smyth, Head of Corporate Communications, Vhi said; “Vhi is committed to living longer, stronger, healthier lives, and as proud presenting partner of parkrun in Ireland we understand the benefits that parkrun participation can bring. It was with these benefits in mind that we created the free Couch to parkrun programme, with the aim of helping newcomers to parkrun build their confidence and fitness and experience the joy of being part of the parkrun community.
“It’s been really encouraging to see so many people taking part in the programme, either at the 6 designated parkruns nationwide or by simply following the weekly plans at home. Congratulations to all who have taken part, and for those who haven’t it’s not too late! The weekly plans are still available on yourhappypace.ie.”
Saturday’s event is also an opportunity to mark the summer opening of Vhi’s 360 Health Centre on the Headford Road in Galway, where Vhi members can access specialist services such as paediatrics and women’s health care as part of Vhi’s suite of integrated services. The clinic is the fourth such facility Vhi have opened nationwide after Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
