With the shorter days and longer evenings it is more important than ever to get out and active in the day light hours. Parkrun Ireland, supported by VHI and Healthy Ireland are excited to publicise a brand-new national campaign, 'Step into Winter'. Everyone is being actively encouraged to find their nearest Parkrun and join the growing movement of volunteers, runners, joggers and walkers taking part in fun, inclusive, and healthy activities for the winter months. 'Step into Winter' invites everyone to head outdoors enjoy the fresh air, great company, and feel-good energy that comes from starting and maintaining healthy habits.

By starting now, participants can get ahead of the new year rush and be well on their way to sustaining healthy behaviours into 2026 and beyond. According to the Parkrun.ie website:

‘You can get involved by taking part in free, weekly events in parks and green spaces nationwide, parkrun offers a fun, inclusive and supportive environment for everyone regardless of age, fitness level, or background. Every Saturday morning, thousands gather to walk, jog, run, or volunteer, proving that small steps together can make a big difference.

We invite you to join your local parkrun this winter! Find your nearest event at parkrun.ie and share your journey with #GetWinterFit and #StepIntoWinter on social media platforms. Together, we can make every Saturday morning something to look forward to’. 

Healthy Offaly has been a keen supporter of the Grand Canal Way park run in Tullamore since its inception in October 2021. The Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Offaly County Council, Dermot Egan, will be attending the Grand Canal Way Parkrun in Tullamore to publicise the ‘Step into Winter’ campaign on 6 December 2025; while specially commissioned headbands from the Department of Health and Parkrun Ireland to publicise the ‘Step into Winter’ campaign will be distributed to Parkrun participants on the very special occasion of the Grand Canal Way's 200th Parkrun on 13 December.