Tags: People of parkrun, Vhi
In this week’s people of parkrun entry we hear from Bernie O’Connor, a Carer from Armagh parkrun.
Name: Bernie O’Connor
Occupation: Carer
Local parkrun: Armagh
How did you get involved in parkrun?
I just decided to give it a go as I had been going to the gym but wanted to do a fundraiser for our daughter with autism. I started on the treadmill at first and decided to give parkrun a go and have stuck at it for several years now.
What do you love about parkrun?
I love that it is very inclusive and open to everyone of all abilities.
Who do you participate with?
It’s a family affair! I attend with my husband, and our daughter who has autism is accompanied by our other daughter who goes around the course with her.
Any parkrun milestones / achievements you would like to share?
Our daughter, my husband and I have all achieved our 250th milestone.
How has parkrun impacted positively on you?
It’s a part of our lives that keeps us active mentally and physically. It’s also great socially for our daughter and ourselves.
Who is your dream parkrun running buddy?
My dream parkrun buddies are my family.
What was your best parkrun experience?
When our daughter with special needs achieved her 250th parkrun. It was a major milestone for her.
What was the funniest parkrun moment?
One Saturday, that was also Valentine’s Day, my husband had my face put on a t-shirt that he wore at parkrun!
What advice would you give to someone who’s never been to parkrun?
Just give it a go. It could change your life for the better!
Niamh O’Callaghan, a founding member of the Illaunmanagh parkrun core team, is proud of all that has been achieved in the first year of this event. It took us a few years to get started at Illaunmanagh parkrun. Our inaugural event was two years later than anticipated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We first…
On the first day our parkwalker role was introduced, Shuhei Sumitani joined for his first parkrun. Since that parkrun in October, Shuhei has found confidence in the parkwalker role. Event Director Mariko writes how Shuhei has become a part of the wonderful parkrun community. When I met Shuhei, I was at the parkrun…
