Profile of a parkrunner: Meet Michael Kearney

Meet Michael, from Clonbullogue, Co Offaly, a regular parkrunner at Mountlucas parkrun.

When did you first complete a parkrun?

I retired from Bord na Móna in 2018. Shortly after that I decided to complete a couch to 5k running programme. I had never ran before so it was quite a challenge but as soon as I was able to run 5km, I wanted to test myself and do a parkrun. My first ever parkrun was Mountlucas parkrun’s 100th event so it was quite a memorable one.

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

It’s very easy to stay in bed on a Saturday morning but parkrun motivates me to get up and get moving every Saturday morning. It has become part of my routine and part of my weekly exercise- I’ve only missed four parkruns since I started!

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

It’s hard to pick a favourite one but I would probably say when I completed my 100th parkrun. I had loads of family and friends there to cheer me on, and of course, Mary Dunne’s famous lemon drizzle cake.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

The words I’d use are like a journey, bringing me from start to finish on a typical day at parkrun. The first one is convenience- the proximity of Mountlucas parkrun to my home makes it so handy on a Saturday morning. The second one is challenging- a parkrun is always a challenge, especially if it’s windy. The third one is satisfaction- it always feels amazing to cross the line and even on days where I don’t feel like running, I can walk and gain just as much satisfaction. And the final one is banter- there is always fun and banter at the finish line, catching up with friends and encouraging others.

Parkrun is a free, weekly, timed 5km event for runners and walkers that takes place every Saturday morning at more than 2000 locations in 23 countries around the world. Mountlucas parkrun takes place at Bord na Móna Mountlucas windfarm outside Daingean. See parkrun.ie/mountlucas