Profile of a parkrunner: Meet Neil

Neil Deere, from Portarlington, is a regular at Mountlucas parkrun, seen more often than not with his 4 year old daughter Kayla.

When did you first complete a parkrun?

I started at Mountlucas parkrun at the end of 2018. After a few runs I did my first volunteer role and in late 2019 I joined the Run Director team.

In January 2020 I did my first buggy run with Kayla, just 6 months old. Over 4 years later and 18kgs heavier (her, not me) we're still going but she is close to outgrowing the buggy!

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

The social aspect is great. Running can be an individual hobby so to meet like minded people each week can add a lot to it.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

Every Saturday morning, asking Kayla if she wants to go to parkrun- the answer is yes, usually! I think its important to normalise exercise for children and she sees this as part of our weekly routine, which is something I hope she continues to do.

She enjoys the attention she gets, telling me to go faster and not be last and the occasional sweets she gets at the start line. She even comes when I'm volunteering because she doesnt want to miss out.

We have started doing junior parkrun together as well which is much easier because she is so used to the parkrun routine.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

Flat, friendly and unmissable.