'˜Run Mummy Run' teams up with Portrush parkrun in new initiative

Portrush parkrun, which takes place weekly at the East Strand, is the only run in Northern Ireland involved with the ‘Run Mummy Run’ initiative, which aims to encourage more women to get fit.

Sharon Kennedy who is involved in Portrush park run is the ‘run buddy’ for ‘Run Mummy Run’ at the local run.

Speaking to Times Sport this week, Sharon, who has been running for about three years explained: “Run Mummy Run is an online community with about 17,000 members.

“It was initially set up by a mum in England, who wanted to find other mums in her area that would be interested in running together.

“The community has grown massively in the past two years and has even won awards nationally you can find RMR website online and on Facebook, where you will get loads of advice from other ladies,

“It started with six mums on Facebook, now there are more than 18,000 ladies in the United Kingdom.

“The link with parkrun was initiated at the end of last year, with the view to encouraging woman into running and joining parkrun,” said Sharon.

“Portrush parkrun is one of only eight in the UK to have the link with ‘Run Mummy Run’ and we will have two designated runs per month, but that’s not to say that you can’t come along every Saturday to parkrun,” she joked.

Portrush parkrun is unique, the five kilometre course is the only one in the United Kingdom to take place fully on the beach.

There are parkruns across the United Kingdom, Australia, America, with new runs springing up across the globe on a monthly basis.

Parkruns open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.

Speaking of the Portrush event, ‘run buddy’ Sharon explained: “We had our run buddy run in November , and it was very successful.

“I think a few of the mums surprised themselves.

“The next one will take place on the last Saturday of the month, January 30.

“We are not looking for athletes, or even people who have had any experience running, just people who are interested in getting fit.

“Many people just walk the course and that is totally fine.

“Some jog a bit and walk a bit, it’s entirely up to you - you just go at your own pace,” explained Sharon.

As the point of contact for the runs, Sharon explained: “It’s really simple, you just log on and register online for the parkrun, you will then get a barcode sent out via email. On the morning of the run, bring your barcode and hand it in at the Sports Centre, that really just means that at the end you will get a time.

“I’ll be there on each of the designated days, so I will answer any questions you might have.

“I’ve been involved with parkrun for some time now, once you have made the first step to come along, I can assure you that you will enjoy it.”

Portrush parkrun also have a junior event, this takes place every Sunday at 9.30, also at East Strand. The course is 2 kilometres and is open to children aged from four to 14.