Special event to mark ten years of Cootehill Parkrun

Cootehill parkrun will celebrate ten years this Saturday (November 2).

Officially launched on November 1 2014, the free timed 5km run takes place every Saturday morning at 9.30am in Halton's Amenity Park.

It began as the only parkrun in County Cavan and remains the only run in Ireland whereby participants cross into two counties.

Great pride is associated with Saturday’s anniversary and to celebrate they have a special run on November 2 with cake for everyone after their run.

“Bring a bake and we would love to see returning faces and new faces join us as well as our regular parkrunners and volunteers,” encouraged Clare McCaul, who is one of the run directors who organises the event.

From Cootehill, Clare has participated in the run on numerous occasions

“It’s just so energising, it’s sociable.

“Everybody stands around and has a chat and the banter, it is lovely.

“There’s great camaraderie, it’s nice to get out and start your Saturday with a walk or run.

“It’s not about racing, it’s about being active,” Clare reminded.

Since its inception, over 600 runners have took part in the cross-county dash, including participants from 20 athletics clubs.

They have completed 2,919 runs covering a total distance of 14,595 km with 899 new personal best achievements.

Ages of participants range from five years to 70 years.

“We have had elite athletes pushing to achieve personal best times, people achieving their first ever 5km distance and people who simply want to take part in regular exercise and meet like minded people,” Clare outlined.

On average there are 50 participants taking part weekly.

The setting of Halton’s Park provides for a “lovely forest run” which trails along the Dromore River and out as far as Dartry Avenue, despite some “challenging” hills, taking you from Cavan to Monaghan once you cross the footbridge.

Thanks has been shared to all participants and organisers of the run who have made it happen for the past 10 years to date.

This Saturday’s run will begin at 9.30am in the park.