People of parkrun brought to you by Vhi

Name: Olaf Dennison

Age: 41

Occupation: Retail assistant

Local parkrun: Navan

Number of parkruns completed: 125

How did you get involved in parkrun?

I had been running for a while and a friend told me about parkrun. I attended Oldbridge parkrun to see how it was, really enjoyed it there and afterwards I got in touch with parkrun Ireland about setting one up in Navan. From there it was attending the meetings and setting up our core group to get it started.

What do you love about parkrun?

I love getting the exercise done, especially nice and early in the day, but having a chat with all the people afterwards is great.

Who do you participate with?

I’ve had my family come along to parkruns but not as regularly as I do.

Any parkrun milestones / achievements you would like to share?

Getting to the first milestone is always the biggest thing, I couldn’t wait to get to my 25^th volunteer and 50^th parkrun. Brilliant to have achieved them.

Do you have a health or fitness goal?

My main goal for 2019 was the Dublin Marathon, and the next goal that I would like to achieve would be to do a triathlon, once my swimming ability come along.

Who is your dream parkrun running buddy?

I’d have a couple of people…Suzi Chan, Dame Kelly Holmes and Lucy Charles Barkley…I’d probably be left a million miles behind though.

What was your best parkrun experience?

I think when I went to Progression parkrun in Mountjoy prison for my 100^th parkrun as it was a very memorable experience. I emailed the organisers to apply to take part, and I was treated superbly and given a very warm welcome by the parkrunners there.They presented me with a lovely framed certificated of my 100 runs, proudly mounted in my house.

What was the funniest parkrun moment?

Last St Patrick’s Day weekend I attended Tramore parkrun in Waterford with my wife and stepmother. It was right in the middle of Storm Gareth, which brought 13km/h winds. I believe there was almost 80 people attended it, and in the absolute worst conditions, we were getting blown sideways and backwards, the sand from the beach was blowing right onto us as we ran the course, it was complete madness but it was the best fun I’ve had. I think everyone enjoyed the crazy conditions afterwards in the cafe with some well-earned coffee and cakes. Brilliant day.

What advice would you give to someone who’s never been to parkrun?

Just to give it a go, if they come along and see the everybody of all abilities are welcome, I think they’ll get to love it.