The popular 5k Parkrun through Castle Coole estate has been re-launched and the organisers are calling on all couch potatoes to get active.
The weekly 5k timed walk, jog or run which takes place each Saturday at 9.30am will start from the courtyard area within Castle Coole with the route progressing through the estate.
The relocation of the Enniskillen Parkrun was considered due to the success of the Couch Potato to Runner Bean programme. The Couch Potato to Runner Bean programme had previously been implemented by Fermanagh District Council in partnership with the PHA and the National Trust, and encouraged over 100 people to introduce physical activity to their weekly routine helping to improve health and wellbeing. Many of the participants now attend the weekly Enniskillen Parkrun and indeed a number also recently completed the Enniskillen 10k Road Race and Leisure Walk.
Similar to the Couch Potato to Runner Bean programme, a qualified fitness instructor will be in attendance every Saturday to offer personal advice and guidance to newcomers who wish to get active.
Speaking about the launch, Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Councillor Bert Johnston said;
“It is great to see so many people engaging in physical activity and completing the 5k route, whether they walk, jog or run it. It is also great to see many of the participants who completed the Couch Potato to Runner Bean programme participating in the Parkrun.”
Speaking about the relocation to Castle Coole, Jim Chestnutt, General Manager for the National Trust`s Fermanagh properties said; “We’re so pleased to have been chosen to be the host venue for this fantastic scheme and we are excited by the amount of interest Parkrun is attracting.” He added: “The National Trust now hosts Parkrun at nine properties across the organisation, and Castle Coole is the first property in the Northern Ireland region to host the event.”
Finbar Maguire, Enniskillen Parkrun Co-ordinator spoke of his delight about bringing the parkrun to Castle Coole. “Parkrun is not a race and provides participants with an opportunity to improve their fitness in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Coole. Getting fit and active is important for health and wellbeing however the social aspect is also equally important. Numbers have been flourishing in recent weeks with up to 100 participants taking part. It is the friendly atmosphere that you find amongst participants that contributes towards such positive numbers and encourages people to come back”.
Brian Fitzpatrick, a regular at the Enniskillen Parkrun, added: “Enniskillen Parkrun is a fantastic event. It takes place every week, rain, hail or shine. There are no egos, just a friendly group who get together to complete some exercise. The social aspect is also fantastic”
For further information regarding Enniskillen Parkrun please contact Chris Elliott or Finbar Maguire on 028 6632 5050 or email enniskillenoffice@parkrun.com. To register please visit www.parkrun.org.uk/enniskillen