Run Report: Cobh Junior Parkrun #1

Run Report: Cobh Junior Parkrun #1
http://www.parkrun.ie/cobh-juniors/news/

Dreams became a reality at Carrignafoy Community College Grounds on Sunday, May 27th, when Cobh junior parkrun became the 14th location in Ireland to now stage a free, weekly, timed 2km fun walk/jog/run.

Overnight, the thunder rolled and the lightening struck and then upon waking, whoever was manning the great control room in the sky must have realised that drying conditions were required for the days main event on Great Island.

A steady flow of eager participants and willing volunteers began to arrive soon after the famous cathedral bells rang out for nine.

Event Director Majella Canty introduced all present to the worldwide success story that is parkrun. Her pre-event briefing covered the important safety points before asking one request of those taking part…”go and have fun!”.

With that, there was just enough time for a warmup led by Volunteer Karl Doyle, who done a great job in readying the assembled ranks for the challenge that lay ahead.

With Swizz-like timing and a long shrill of the whistle, just over 160 boys and girls set off from the start line at 9.30am to begin Cork’s first ever junior parkrun.

Only when those lead runners were completing that first lap of four must the weight of preparation and planning lifted off the shoulders of the volunteers.

The vision was beginning to take shape, and in spectacular fashion, boys and girls running around the old track with smiles miles wide and words of encouragement to keep them honest when their legs got weary.

Before long, our impressive first finisher, Aine Sheridan, was over the line and soon followed by a field full of enthusiastic junior parkrunners and walkers.

In keeping with the parkrun ethos of participation and inclusion, a very special welcome was extended to one of our bravest visitors, Kian Mullen, who continues to defy the challenges presented to him by FOXG1, a rare neurological condition.

Registering his first parkrun appearance, his approach to the finish line was a moment that will be fondly remembered by all who bore witness to the young mans display of courage and defiance.

As happy families departed the scene of the mornings activities, the organising team had a brief moment to take a breath before compiling of finish times took place in Cobh GAA. As had been the case throughout the morning and preceding few weeks, we were again ably assisted here by visiting parkrunners John (Ballincollig parkrun) , Caroline, Colm, Anna, Ruth, Jane and Ryan (all Tralee junior parkrun)

The winner of Cobh junior parkrun #1 was thereby announced as every single child who took part in what was a historic first for our great town.

We look forward to many more days like this and again wish to thank the following organisations in allowing us welcome you all to the parkrun family.