Ireland Country Manager Matt Shields tells us more about the six week walking programme.

Many of us will now be looking forward to a healthier and happier 2020. Volunteering, walking, jogging or running at parkrun could be a part of that resolution.

For six weeks, starting Saturday 18 January 2020, all Irish 5k events will be taking part in the Park Walk initiative, focused on welcoming walkers of all ages and abilities.

Each event will have a Park Walk meeting point banner so that once you arrive you can start to meet and be with other walkers just like yourself.

There will be a Tail Walker in an orange vest to welcome and greet you, and answer any queries. They will explain the route and how everything works, and escort you during your walk. Making everything really easy. No matter how slow you are you won’t be last, the Tail Walker will always be last.

If you are already a parkrunner then I am sure you have friends and family who might be anxious about taking their first steps into physical activity. Why not reach out to them and maybe even accompany them on their first parkrun.

A positive step that neither of you will regret.

To take part register online and chose #IREparkwalk as your team. Print out the barcode you’re given and bring it along with you on the day.

After that just turn up at your chosen event, with your barcode, on Saturday about 9:15am. Look for the green Park Walk meeting point banner.

Register today and put the date in your diary.