Vhi is proud to launch Your Happy Pace — a free 6-week couch to parkrun training programme designed to introduce beginners across Ireland to the joy of parkrun.
Register to apply to join our programmes in the following parkrun locations - Poolbeg in Dublin, Ballincollig in Cork, Mungret in Limerick, University of Galway in Galway, Castle Park in Kilkenny, and Letterkenny in Donegal.
As part of the programme, 300 lucky participants will receive a weekly training plan, expert coaching both online and in-person at our 6 parkrun locations, and an introduction to a community of other beginners to help them stay motivated.
parkruns are free, weekly, timed 5km events happening on Saturday mornings at 9.30 am in over 110 locations nationwide. People of all ages and fitness levels can walk, jog or run as well as volunteer.
Vhi is the proud presenting partner of parkrun in Ireland and has long championed the physical and mental health benefits of community-based fitness.
Vhi's 'Your Happy Pace' aims to encourage people to use parkrun as a way to become happier and healthier at their own pace. Vhi wants to extend that joy to those who’ve never experienced it before.
300 people will be selected through the registration process to take part in the programme which will be hosted in 6 locations nationwide:
The Impact Speaks for Itself
A recent Vhi survey of parkrun participants revealed the powerful benefits of taking part:
Whether you're looking to improve your fitness, boost your mood, or simply connect with others, Your Happy Pace is the perfect way to get started.
Pre-recorded coaching sessions along with live interactive Zoom sessions for participants. Q&A and WhatsApp check-ins and themed video updates will form vital elements on this online coaching programme.
Attending parkrun each week will form part of the induction into the parkrun movement. A coach will attend each of our six parkrun locations weekly from 6th Sept – 11th Oct to welcome and support participants on-site.
The coach will provide pacing help, encouragement, support and a friendly presence for participants as well as helping to reduce anxiety, help with accountability, and guide everyone of all fitness levels through the 5km.
WhatsApp groups will be created for participants - one per parkrun location.
No, anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be part of our training programme.
If selected to participate in the programme, yes, you will need to register to take part in a parkrun.
You must be at least 18 years of age to apply to take part in this programme.
No, it is free.
We have identified 6 venues where a coach will deliver their in-person training sessions each Saturday morning at 9.30am. If you do not attend the parkrun location designated to you, then you will not receive this element of your training support.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, however, we request that all those who are selected to take part in the programme to commit to attending a minimum of 4 out of the 6 in-person training sessions each Saturday.