'It’s a place for everybody to come that’s in a safe environment'
Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards in association with Westmeath County Council
Social Inclusion Award finalist: Athlone RSC Parkrun
Athlone RSC Parkrun was first founded in July 2015 taking place in TUS Athlone, before moving to its new location at the community park in Athlone Regional Sport Centre in May 2024.
The free event, organised by Paul Callaghan and Colette Anderson, Co-Event Directors, take place every Saturday morning from 9am. The Parkrun involves roughly eight to ten Run Directors operating on a roster system, with the help of six or seven volunteers each week.
Between 30 and 130 people take part in the event each week, including walkers, joggers, and runners. “It’s joyful and happy. Everybody’s there for the same reason. It’s a very community-organised event,” Paul said.
“It’s a community thing for Athlone and the surrounding areas. It’s not about who’s fastest or fittest. It’s for everyone to get out and meet others.
“You just show up and go for a walk or a jog or a run. It’s a place for everybody to come that’s a safe environment.”
“People think you have to run at parkrun. No, you don’t, you can walk. We have a role called the tail backer; that person will be the last to cross the line. It makes sure no one’s left behind, and that slower walkers have someone to talk to.
A highlight for the Athlone Parkrun committee came when Ray D’Arcy hosted his Run With Ray broadcast on the grounds of Athlone Regional Sports Centre just three weeks after the group moved to the location.
Since 2022, the parkrun has welcomed members of the Sanctuary Runners, which encourages Irish residents to run alongside, and in solidarity with, migrants, asylum seekers and refugees. “It’s about blending communities, and it provides a great safe space for all people to meet and make friends,” Paul said.
“The Sanctuary Runners have become more involved since we moved to the sport centre grounds in May 2024, with some members volunteering, and other participating in the run itself.”
The Social Inclusion Award finalists are Athlone RSC Parkrun, Coosan Men's Shed and Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Services.
The Westmeath Independent Community & Sports Awards are in association with Westmeath County Council