'I love it, it's great fun': 87-year-old man completes his 200th Parkrun in Carlow

An 87-year-old man has completed his 200th parkrun in Carlow Town, declaring, "I love it, it's great fun." 

Martin Phelan has been attending the parkrun in Carlow Town since 2019.

"I love it; it’s just great fun. It’s a fun thing to do – it’s not a chore at all. It’s the camaraderie that I love. I go religiously every week," he told the Carlow Nationalist. 

The parkrun is sponsored by VHI Healthcare in Ireland, which sees people of all ages and fitness levels run or walk a 5km circuit in Carlow.

It starts at the rowing club by the River Barrow and continues along the Barrow Track for 2.2km.

Participants then turn back and complete a lap of the town park.

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Martin says he has made "so many friends" by participating in the weekly walk.

"After each run, we have a cup of tea and some sweet treats every week. When someone has a milestone run, that’s celebrated, too," he said.

After his 200th parkrun, Martin's family marked the occasion by having some cake in the park.

He looks forward to continuing to attend the parkruns, saying he will keep "putting one foot in front of the other." 

To find out more about how to register, go to www.parkrun.ie/carlowtown.