Waterford Embraces Running Boom This Festive Season

Waterford Embraces Running Boom This Festive Season

December 28, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Business

Ditch the Hangover, Lace Up Your Shoes: Waterford Embraces Running Boom This Festive Season

Waterford, Ireland – As the holiday season winds down and New Year’s resolutions loom, Waterford is experiencing a surge in outdoor activity, with running leading the charge.

Local running enthusiast and Fine Gael Councillor Frank quinlan is encouraging residents to embrace the trend. “It’s vital to have a focus going into the New Year,” Quinlan says. “Everyone is looking for different personal goals, and running is one of the things which people of all abilities could start.”

Quinlan notes a shift in how young people are spending their leisure time.”So many young people are fed up waking up with a hangover – they’d prefer to be up early, out in the fresh air, enjoying a hike, a run, a swim or a cycle. There are so many things you can do,” he explains.

This festive season, Waterford has seen a flurry of running events, from the annual St. Stephen’s Day run hosted by west Waterford AC to the popular SETU Arena parkrun, which held its final event of 2023 this past Saturday.

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participants in this morning’s SETU Arena parkrun

The parkrun phenomenon, with its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, has been a major driver of this trend. “It’s open to all ages and all abilities, including children, and people can walk if they’d prefer,” Quinlan explains.With 152 parkrun events taking place across the country every weekend, including one in Tramore, there’s an accessible option for everyone.

Looking ahead, Quinlan encourages residents to participate in upcoming events like the Baldy Man Run in Tramore on December 29th, the Winter League throughout January, and the St. Paul’s Parish Frank Leahy 5-mile run on January 26th. february will see the Waterford Triathlon Club host its duathlon, and the popular John Treacy 10-mile run in Dungarvan.

“By signing up to something, it gives focus and something to aim for which helps to keep you motivated,” Quinlan says. “The sense of achievement when completing something is enormous.”
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