Olympian David Gillick credits the post-pandemic rise in popularity of run clubs, calling them the 'new Tinder.' Join him and parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt at Marlay Park on February 1st to celebrate Ireland's thriving parkrun community.
Running is the new Tinder, according to Olympian David Gillick , and there's no better place to meet singletons than at a run club. While David is one of Ireland 's most successful track athletes, he now finds immense joy in casually running amongst others since retiring. The RTÉ sports reporter is an ambassador for VHI, which proudly sponsors Ireland 's most popular run club - the parkrun.
This Saturday, February 1, the public will get the chance to meet David alongside parkrun founder Paul Sinton-Hewitt in Marlay Park at 9.30am to celebrate its success in Ireland. Parkrun has been in Ireland since 2012, having begun with one event in Malahide. Now, 9 percent of the Irish population are registered for parkrun. This is the highest percentage of park runners in any country in the world. David believes there has been a massive interest in run clubs since the Covid-19 pandemic as people are craving human connection. TikTok is also awash with promotions of single run clubs as people are looking to ditch the apps and meet others with similar interests. Speaking to the Irish Mirror, David said: “Covid maybe made us all realise what we are interested in doing and for a lot of people running was that outlet and it’s great to have the opportunity now with the park run. “(Run clubs) are the new Tinder apparently so that’s what people are doing, all these social clubs where they are running and getting tea and coffee afterward, isn’t it a great thing to do? It's a healthy exercise out in the open and you are socialising so it’s something maybe post Covid that we have realised the things we can do on our doorstep.” He added: “When you think of how far the park run has grown in Ireland we have gone from 2012 to 2016 with 46 park runs and now we are up to 150 including the junior park runs. And 9 percent pushing 10 percent of the population are registered for park runs, that's half a million people, so there is obviously a huge appetite for park runs. “It wouldn't be able to happen without the volunteers so this Saturday in Marlay Park is a celebration of all of that and it’s great because it’s my local park run.” For more information about parkrun, and to register for a parkrun near you visit www.parkrun.ie. Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
Health & Fitness Parkrun Running Ireland Health Fitness Social Clubs Covid-19 David Gillick Paul Sinton-Hewitt
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Expectations Running High for Ireland Ahead of Six Nations Champions Cup PermutationsIrish rugby clubs Leinster, Munster, and Ulster are in the Champions Cup knockout stages for the first time in 32 years. There's also anticipation building for the Ireland Six Nations clash with England, which coincides with the Irish Gold Cup race day.
Read more »
Bobbi Arlo in the running to represent Ireland at Eurovision as first Eurosong act confirmedRising star Bobbi Arlo hopes to take her song Powerplay to Basel in Switzerland later this year as she is the first act confirmed to be taking part in Eurosong
Read more »
Leaving Car Engine Running While Defrosting Could Land You in Jail in IrelandIreland is facing a bitter cold snap with snow and sub-zero temperatures expected. While many motorists are resorting to defrosting their cars with the engine running, authorities have issued a warning that this is illegal and could result in fines of up to €2,000 or even three months in prison. Leaving a vehicle unattended with the engine running on any public road, even if it adjoins a property, is against Irish road traffic law.
Read more »
League of Ireland Players Can Earn €7,000 Bonuses Through PFA Ireland AwardsA growing number of League of Ireland clubs are offering substantial bonuses to players who receive recognition through the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland) awards. These bonuses, ranging from €1,000 to €7,000, are contingent upon players having the bonus clause in their contracts and being selected for the PFA Ireland Team of the Year or winning the Player of the Year award. This revelation has prompted the PFA Ireland to implement changes to its voting process to ensure greater accuracy and fairness.
Read more »
Latest Enterprise Ireland and trade figures underscore Ireland’s vulnerability to US protectionismIncoming US president Donald Trump says he will use tariffs, or at least the threat of tariffs, to improve the US trade balance
Read more »
Ireland v England: Simon Easterby puts his stamp on side with Ryan Baird selectionThe former Ireland number six knows the threat Ireland face at the lineout from England
Read more »