Profile of a Parkrunner: Meet Joy

Meet Joy Cox, from Tullamore, who is a regular at Mountlucas parkrun, as she prepares to complete her 300th parkrun.

When did you first complete a parkrun?

I did my first parkrun on 3 January 2015 at Kilkenny Castle after making a new year's resolution to get back running, something I hadn't done for nearly five years. I was hooked from day one.

What is your favourite thing about parkrun?

My favourite thing has to be the people. I have met and made lifelong friends through parkrun.

My home parkrun is Kilkenny as I lived there for 12 years. As I am now back living in Tullamore, my home county, I have done both Mountlucas parkrun and the Grand Canal Way parkrun in Tullamore on a regular basis. I am also a regular visitor to Athlone and Mullingar parkruns. That's another favourite thing about parkrun for me - you get to travel near and far to do 5k in a wide range of locations, from castle parks to wind farms, along canals, racecourses and even inside a prison!

How does it feel to be set to reach the significant milestone of 300 parkruns?

I'm one parkrun away from reaching that milestone. I am very proud and happy to reach this milestone and look forward to sharing the day with many of my parkrun friends. I already have many amazing memories associated with parkrun - getting to 300 parkruns completed will be a day that will definitely be remembered by me when it comes sometime in the next few weeks.

What is your favourite parkrun memory?

My favorite parkrun memory has to be from June 2024 when I celebrated my 250th parkrun at Kilkenny castle. People I have met through parkrun came to Kilkenny to help celebrate this milestone with me. I am forever grateful for the people parkrun has brought into my life. They are simply all such amazing people to be around and make memories with.

What words best describe Mountlucas parkrun?

It's a beautiful location for a parkrun and it's a one loop course, which a lot of people enjoy including me. The wind turbines are an amazing backdrop for photos, especially at the finish line as they majestically stand behind you when you cross the line. There is always a warm welcome from the core team and the regulars, whether you come every week, not so frequently like me, or it's your first time. I would highly recommend a visit.

Mountlucas parkrun takes place at Bord na Móna Mountlucas windfarm every Saturday morning at 9.30am sharp. There's something for everyone at Mountlucas parkrun whether you want to walk, run, volunteer or just meet new people. For more information see http://parkrun.ie/mountlucas